Shajar Abbas targets Asian Games medal after successful comeback from leg surgery

LAHORE: Pakistan sprinter Shajar Abbas has declared himself fully fit to return to competition after spending a year recovering from leg surgery and is now focused on representing the country in the men's 200m at the 2026 Asian Games.

The national athlete is currently training individually at Punjab Stadium in Lahore as he builds towards the continental event. Although satisfied with his recovery, Abbas believes a national training camp would provide a better environment for athletes to prepare together.

Abbas underwent leg surgery in August last year, forcing him to miss several competitions during his rehabilitation. After months of recovery, he has now regained full fitness and is ready to return to the track.

Speaking about his comeback, Abbas said it took him a full year to recover but insisted he never lost hope.

"It took me one year to make my comeback, but I never gave up. Just eight days after my operation, I started rehabilitation in the gym. I worked hard on my own throughout my recovery and I am still training with the same dedication," he said.

The sprinter revealed that missing the Commonwealth Games was a major disappointment, but his attention is now firmly on the Asian Games.

"I missed the Commonwealth Games, but now the Asian Games are approaching and my full focus is on preparing for them. I will give my best performance. If I produce my personal best in the 200m, I believe I can put myself in contention for a medal," Abbas said.

He added that he considers the 200m to be his stronger event compared to the 100m.

"I believe my 200m is better than my 100m, which is why I have entered the 200m event," he explained.

Abbas also expressed concern over the absence of an official national training camp with only a few weeks remaining before the Asian Games.

"There are only a few weeks left before the Asian Games, but no proper training camp has been organised yet. Training camps are always beneficial because when athletes train together, it creates a competitive environment that improves everyone's preparation," he said.

He added that the athletics federation has already written to the Pakistan Sports Board requesting the establishment of a training camp.

"The federation has sent a letter to the Pakistan Sports Board regarding the camp. I hope it will be organised soon because it will further improve our preparations for the Asian Games," Abbas concluded.