Pakistan Karate is undergoing strenuous training in Istanbul to prepare for first Asian Martial Art Games being held in Bangkok from April 22 to May 4. “ The team is on a month long training tour which is of great importance as Turkey is World champions In team Kumite “,said President,Pakistan Karate Federation, Muhammad Jahangir.

The team comprises world number seven, Saadi Abbas, Muhammad Ramzan, Adil Jan and Shoukat Ali and Agha Mohammad is the coach

He said Pakistan Sports Trust has sponsored the entire tour to help support PKF to impart best possible training to its martial art players for producing good results in inaugural edition of Asian Martial Games

“We are thankful to President,Pakistan Olympic Association,Lt Gen retd Syed Arif Hasan who is also the Chairman of PST for his kind patronage for the cause of not only karate but for all the sports “,he asserted.PST has given a special grant of Rs one million to PKF for the tour

PKF Chief said the team has the unique opportunity to train with worlds best karate players who are from Turkey

Jahangir said he accompanied the team and observed its first week training sessions organised by Turkey Karate Federation and he was confident that extensive training will help in raising the standard of game of Pakistani players

He said Pak team will wrap up its tour by taking part in a high profile international tournament,” Bosphorous Cup” being organised from April 17‑19 in which nearly 16 countries of the world will participate

When asked about Pakistan chances for winning medals, he said Saadi who is a SAF Games gold medallists is a strong contender for winning a medal because of his world number 7 ranking which he established during World championship held last year in Japan by reaching the quarter finals

“ All the top notch of karate are from Asia and the Games will be a tough event but we believe Saadi stand a chance and then it also depends on the draws of the event as well “,he asserted