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