Former Pakistan judoka Qaisar Afridi aims to represent England

Former Pakistan judoka Qaisar Afridi has set his eyes on representing England in the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.

After representing Pakistan for quite some time in international circuit Qaisar early last year got settled in England permanently after getting frustrated by the lack of support back home.

"It's my aim to represent England in the next two Olympics," Qaisar told Nukta in a detailed interaction from London.

Qaisar was set to replace two-time Olympian Shah Hussain and was regarded as a potentially glorious player as he had played some good fights for Pakistan in international circuit. He also had a nice start to the 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers but his journey was cut short as he missed some qualifiers. He got disheartened midway. He had to pay from his own pocket for ensuring his participation in international events and so decided to settle in England.

Asked whether he still has in mind to play for Pakistan, Qaisar said that Pakistan is very close to his heart but he is tired with that judo environment which lacked peace of mind and professional approach.

"If I tell you the truth so I love my country. I wanted to do more for it but things were not good back home and I decided to come to London and start my career afresh," Qaisar said.

"In Pakistan, you know, I was pursuing judo madly. Due to no facilities, I used to go to the hills in Khyber Agency to train with the sole aim to do something noteworthy for the country. But you know you have to support your family also and you need support from the state and relevant judo cordon which was unfortunately not there," Qaisar said.

Qaisar is happy with the way he is dealt by his judo authorities in London.

"Here in London athletes play with freedom. Coaches and federation officials take great care of athletes and so here an athlete is always mentally relaxed and focusses on his job," Qaisar said.

Qaisar trains in Stratford and Budokwai judo academies.

"Yes, I play here. I give around six hours to training daily," Qaisar said.

He said he is happy that he has kept himself alive on the judo front.

Qaisar also eyes gold in the England Open.

"Previously I had won silver in the minus 90 kilogram in the England Open and now I plan to lift the gold. My growth is good and I believe I can achieve my target," Qaisar said.

Training in England

Qaisar also revealed that he has also been invited to train with the England senior lot.

"I have been invited to train with England senior team and it's a good sign for me and for my career," Qaisar said.

Asked when he can be eligible to play for England Qaisar said it depends on points.

"You are awarded points for your performance and when you achieve the required limit then you will be able to represent England in international circuit," Qaisar said.

He said that once he achieves something big then he has plans to establish a few academies in Pakistan.

"I was really deprived in Pakistan, having missed so many things as an athlete and I don't want our younger generation of judo in future to suffer like me. I plan to work for them and establishing academies will be a huge step inshaAllah," Qaisar said.

Qaisar is such a good player that even once Shah Hussain told this correspondent that he sees him as a next judo star. In an open fight once Qaisar has played really well against Japan-based Shah Hussain.

Qaisar is really a huge loss for Pakistan but he may be a big gain for England. He has the killer instinct and can go a long way in his career.

He also survived a gun attack at his hometown Bara which also played a role in choosing England as his next destination to get settled in.