Saadi Abbas looks to rebuild Pakistan’s karate programme with focused training, international exposure and stronger preparation. Photo: Instagram
KARACHI:
Former Asian champion Saadi Abbas has been appointed head coach of Pakistan’s karate team for next year’s South Asian Games and he plans to overhaul the national side’s preparation for the biennial event.
Canada-based Saadi said his immediate priority would be to understand training programmes being followed by fighters representing various departments before putting in place a coordinated plan for the team.
The 14th South Asian Games will be held in Pakistan from April 3-11, giving Saadi about seven months to prepare the fighters for the event.
“It’s a privilege for the people but for me it’s work of more responsibility,” Saadi told The Express Tribune in an interview.
“I had a chat with the federation as we want to make the things organised properly.”
Pakistan’s karate fighters are currently preparing with their respective departments for a national event expected to be held in October. Saadi said he would first meet departmental coaches to assess the existing programmes and identify problems affecting the athletes.
“First of all I will hold a meeting with coaches of the departments and will discuss with them the onward strategy,” he said. “It will help me know what type of training they are doing, problems they face and will try to resolve those issues.”
Saadi said he would return to Pakistan in October to observe the selection process for the national team and, if a training camp continues, hopes to bring in a foreign physical coach with whom he has previously worked in Dubai and Canada.
He envisages a 20-day physical conditioning camp aimed at improving the fighters’ fitness before moving into more specialised preparations.
“So that fighters could be made physically fitter for the task,” Saadi said.
In November, he plans to arrange further two-week training camp in the Gulf and said he was already in discussions with countries in the region about hosting Pakistan fighters
The programme would then include international competition and exposure, with Saadi targeting the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh from December 13-21.
Although he does not expect Pakistan to be among the leading medal contenders at the event, Saadi said participation would provide an important opportunity to assess the players.
“Although medal chances are not that big but I will check how our team picks the things,” he said.
Saadi, who is himself battling arm injury, has not ruled out competing at the South Asian Games, saying he would assess his fitness closer to the event while continuing in his coaching role.
“I will keep coaching and if I feel that there is room then I will also make myself available,” he said. “And if I see that the team does not need me then I will as a coach handle the side full-fledged.”
Saadi wants to take Pakistan team to Georgia in January for the World Karate Series and invite overseas fighters for a joint training camp in February.
He said additional competitions during that period would help the team reach peak condition for the South Asian Games.
“In the meanwhile if we get another tournament then it will take us to the peak point for the South Asian Games,” Saadi said.
“I have received several proposals from abroad as they want joint training camps with us,” he said. “It will be a nice preparation and if we get seven to eight months proper support then I am confident we will set a good standard in karate.”
“All these things will be made possible only if state and Pakistan Olympic Association accept our proposal; accept my coaching expertise fee but we have to start as a federation,” Saadi said.
“I hope state should back us because in individual sports disciplines, Pakistan is touching lowest ebb,” he said.
