MARTIAL ARTS – Junaid Akhtar is knocking on the doors to find a Good Samaritan to foot the bill of his club registration that will allow the black belt holder to participate in martial arts competitions in the kingdom.
Akhtar has already tried his luck with many registered clubs in Bahrain who expressed their inability to admit the 23-year-old Pakistani youth without the registration fees.
“I want a sponsor to support me in my training so that I can participate in competitions in Bahrain. Since five months, I have approached many clubs. However, I proved unlucky,” Akhtar who holds bachelor`s degree in telecommunication system, told the GDN.
Akhtar came to the world of martial arts at a tender age due to the constant encouragement from his father, who serves in the Pakistan army.
In fact, my father wanted to initiate himself to the world of martial arts. However, due to reasons beyond his control, he could never materialise his dream, Akhtar added.
“So I took up his passion and got interested in karate much to his liking,” Akhtar observed.
Akhtar had his initial classes in Shotokan karate in his native place of Punjab province in Pakistan. The Shotokan karate puts thrust on linear, powerful techniques, emphasising strong punches, kicks, and blocks. You need real fire in the belly to master the Shotokan style because of “long, dynamic, and strong movements,” observed Akhtar.
“The Shotokan style is known for blending traditional values with sport performance, making it a strong item in the World Karate Federation events,” the black belt holder added.
Akhtar’s stint with the Shotokan style has already earned him enough laurels as he was selected for state- and national-level championship in Pakistan.
“The selection in the national-level championship is an unforgettable event in my career,” he added.
When the GDN asked him what were the current issues plaguing him from take up his career to the next level, Akhtar said, “I can`t afford club registration fees as I am yet to secure a decent job in the kingdom.”
Elaborating further he added, “I want a sponsor to support me in my training so that I can participate in competitions.”
“My aim is to represent Bahrain at the international level,” he further said. “I want to become a world champion and train and inspire many athletes to take up martial arts in a serious way,” he concluded. Akhtar can be contacted on 38437687 and junitechno@gmail.com.
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