TAXILA: In the village of Dolian, near Wah Cantt, the family of 21-year-old wrestler Badshah Khan are hopeful that the young man would represent the green flag at the stage of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Badshah Pehalwan Khan, a native of Dolian, who grew up in France, is the only Pakistani in professional wrestling. Dressed in a shiny green and white costume, with a Pakistani flag printed on it, Khan made his debut in professional wrestling in 2012. Two years later, he was signed by Wrestling Stars (Catch WS) in France, Europe’s leading professional wrestling company and since then has been competing all over Europe. Baadshah Pehalwan Khan also competes along with his partner, the Tunisian Al Jihan as ‘The Muslim Connexion’.

His uncles Syed Nisar Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed and Imtiaz Ahmed said they are proud of their nephew for being the first Pakistani to enter the world of professional wrestling.

“Badshah Khan, who is currently living in Paris, is all set to join WWE,” said Nisar Ahmed.

Talking to a group of journalists, in Dolian, he said that his brother Fayyaz Ahmed and his family moved to Paris when Badshah was 10 years old. In Paris, he became interested in professional wrestling and began training to join WWE. “Although, he grew up in France, Badhshah is Pakistani at heart. He dresses in the colours of the Pakistani flag,” said his uncle, Irshad Ahmed.

His uncle, Imtiaz Ahmed, said he is hopeful his nephew will be successful in his audition for WWE Tough Enough 2015 which is a professional wrestling reality television series produced by WWE. Participants of the show undergo professional wrestling training and compete for a contract with WWE.

His family expressed hope that Badshah Pehalwan Khan, whose catchphrase is ‘Pakistan Will Rise’, will not only bring honour to Pakistan but would also put their small village on the map.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2015

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