At the Inter-college Judo Championship in South Gujarat, Yazad Chinoy came first in the open weight category. So sure was he of bagging a gold that Yazad competed in the over 100 kg category, mentions his father Jahabux. Currently a student of third year BCom at Shah Narottamdas Harjivandas Commerce College, Valsad, Yazad practices an hour or more a day, under the private tutorship of Vispi Kasad, himself a winner of national and international awards in martial arts. Yazad’s mother, judoka Hufrish, also an inter university gold medalist, guides him regularly with different techniques too.
Yazad Chinoy (left) and playing a bout
Yazad began judo training at age 16, four years ago. Nevertheless he started practicing for competitive judo only a year ago. The physical education coach at college, Mukesh Patel and Yazad were felicitated by the College principal and staff, notes the local Damanganga Times.
A rifle shooter as well by training, Yazad had to put this sport on the backburner as the expense to pursue the same is prohibitive — a minimum 100 fires have to be done at about Rs 50 a shot. Moreover, access to a rifle shooting range was very difficult and he is now saved a five-hour commute each way to Ahmedabad for practice at the range. Last December he was felicitated with an award at the Iranshah Udvada Utsav (see "Awards at Udvada,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, February 21, 2016) for his prowess in rifle shooting.
The 20-year-old sportsman aspires to join the Indian army and has the blessings of his father who wants him "to become a protector of thousands of people… Awaiting the day when I shall see (him) in the uniform of the Indian army.” Yazad gifted his judo gold medal to his father after the event in Navsari.