Chinese wrestler in Haripur. Photo: Express
HARIPUR:
Chinese wrestler who accepted Jawad Pehlwan’s Mongli pledge challenge arrived in Haripur to a warm and traditional welcome where cultural sports were showcased before the formal competition 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 the weight and subsequently accepted Jawad Pehlwan as his mentor.
In his message, the Chinese wrestler said he had come to Pakistan from the US and had accepted the challenge while in America.
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 could be introduced globally, adding that Pakistani athletes are very strong.
Local dignitaries from Dheri village attended the event. Fakhar-e-Hazara Liaquat Pehlwan and Naveed Pehlwan demonstrated Gatka while Ustad Tariq showcased sword fighting.
65-year-old Mongli master Noor Elahi enthralled the 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 pageant continued this tradition. The event was not just a sporting competition, but a meeting of two cultures.
82 kg Mongli posed a great challenge and the Chinese wrestler’s inability to lift even half the weight was described as proof of Pakistani wrestlers’ exceptional strength and technique.
After conceding defeat, the Chinese wrestler formally became a disciple of Jawad Pehlwan, calling it a gesture of sportsmanship. The cultural performances in Dheri village highlighted Hazara 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 hailed as a major success for Pakistan’s traditional sports, potentially boosting 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 achieve international recognition.
