The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has invited the aspiring long jumper, whose video went viral on social media, for further training, journalist Faizan Lakhani has shared. The boy, Asif Magsi who hails from Thatta can be seen jumping over 11 motorcycles in the video.
Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza also shared that the Athletics Federation is in touch with him.
According to details, AFP President Major General Akram Sahi (retired), who himself was the long jump champion of Pakistan, contacted the 21-year-old and invited him for further training to Lahore.
Sharing his thoughts on the young talent, General Sahi said: “This is a great moment for me as I was also the champions of Pakistan in the long jump. I am impressed with his talent and he could be a great asset for Pakistan.
“He has great potential,” he added.
General Sahi also said that the first question he asked him was if he ever got injured.
“Thankfully, his answer was no, and I have advised him to stay safe till we meet in Lahore, as I have already invited him.”
Meanwhile, Asif while speaking to various media outlets said he developed the skill while making Tik Tok videos. He said he wanted to make different videos which have the potential to go viral.
“I wanted to join the Pakistan Army since childhood. So I started making videos based on national songs, and with each passing day my passion for jumping increased as have my jumps.”
He said that he aims to set a new world record and make his country proud. The world record for the long jump is currently 8.95 meters while the Asian record is 8.33 meters.
The video of the boy was originally shared by journalist Mohi Shah and soon went viral on social media. It even caught the attention of multiple Olympic award-winning athlete Carl Lewis, who remarked that “with his lack of fear, he has the perfect mindset”.
The video also caught the attention of several public personalities including Minister of Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, former Governor Sindh Mohammad Zubair and Fahad Mustafa who urged the Sports Board to take notice of the boy and train him.
Other Twitter users also urged the Sports Board of Pakistan to hone this raw talent.
Later, a video of the young man jumping over a canal also went viral on social media.
