By IANS,
Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Judo Association secretary Munawar Anzar has been given the world referee licence by the International Judo Federation, the first South Asian to get the coveted licence.
Anzar, who started his career as a judo referee in 1994, would now judge world championship matches.
In the 2003 African games, he received the international referee licence (IRL) enabling him to participate in international events, but not in those that decide world judo champions.
“It is quite heartening,” Anzar told IANS. He was given the licence during the recently concluded Junior World Judo Championship in Bangkok.
“The licence will enable me to improve Judo training in the state,” he added. “Owing to the international exposure and experience, I will be able to teach the players about the fast changing rules and good techniques in the sport.”