Iranian Judo coach to start training Pakistan

Kazzemi, hired after the PJF failed to rope in a Japanese coach, has signed a year-long contract and will also train 28 athletes for the 12th South Asian Games in December. "It was a necessary step for us to hire a foreign coach," PJF Secretary Masood Ahmed told The Express Tribune. "Kazzemi is highly qualified and it's his interest in Pakistan that brings him here despite the salary not being too flashy. Other coaches from Iran wouldn't come for less than $4,000 per month." Kazzemi has previously worked as Iran's coach and was at the helm of their junior team in various international events throughout 2010. "We wanted Kazzemi because he has experience of planning and implementing programs for the juniors. Designing development programs is his forte and we can benefit from that. If he gives us the desired results, we might extend his contract." Of the 28 shortlisted athletes - of which half are female - three male and two female athletes will be named to represent Pakistan in Uzbekistan.