Chinese wrestler in Haripur. Photo: Express
HARIPUR:
Chinese wrestler who accepted Jawad Pehlwan’s Mongli lifting challenge arrived in Haripur to a warm and traditional welcome, where cultural sports were showcased before the formal contest began.
Jawad Pehlwan had thrown an open challenge to lift his traditional 82-kilogram Mongli (Indian Club).
The Chinese wrestler failed to lift even half of the weight and subsequently accepted Jawad Pehlwan as his mentor.
In his message, the Chinese wrestler said he had come to Pakistan from the United States and had accepted the challenge while in America.
He announced that he would soon establish a Mongli club in China and return with his full team to learn from Jawad Pehlwan. He also expressed plans to invite Jawad Pehlwan to China to train players there so the traditional art could be introduced globally, adding that Pakistani athletes are very strong.
Local dignitaries from village Dheri attended the event. Fakhar-e-Hazara Liaquat Pehlwan and Naveed Pehlwan demonstrated Gatka, while Ustad Tariq showcased swordsmanship.
Sixty-five-year-old Mongli master Noor Elahi captivated spectators by rotating the Mongli with remarkable skill. Security personnel were also present.
The land of Hazara has long been home to wrestlers and brave men, and the Haripur contest continued this tradition. The event was not merely a sporting competition but a meeting of two cultures.
The 82kg Mongli posed a major challenge, and the Chinese wrestler’s inability to lift even half the weight was described as proof of the exceptional strength and technique of Pakistani wrestlers.
After conceding defeat, the Chinese wrestler formally became a disciple of Jawad Pehlwan, calling it a gesture of sportsmanship. The cultural performances in village Dheri highlighted Hazara’s heritage. Master Noor Elahi demonstrated that age is no barrier to skill and passion.
The announcement to establish a Mongli club in China and invite Jawad Pehlwan for training was termed a major success for Pakistan’s traditional sports, potentially promoting tourism and culture. Residents said the victory was a matter of pride for the region and Pakistan, proving that traditional sports still have the potential to gain international recognition.
