Sheraz Sarfraz in Guinness Book of World Records

UAE-based Pakistani fitness sensation makes a mark for his spectacular feat

Dubai-based Sheraz Sarfraz had no idea that he would one day land a spot in the coveted Guinness Book of World Records. It all began at the Punjab Youth Festival in Lahore (2012), where Sheraz was an area manager in charge of activities. When an Italian team of leapfrog sprinters wowed everyone with their antics, Sheraz along with his friend Lieutenant Nouman Rafiq of the Pakistan Army, took up the challenge to better the Italians. After weeks of practice and endurance, the Pakistani duo performed 31 leapfrog jumps in 30 seconds during practice sessions, comfortably beating their European counterparts, who performed 26 jumps in 30 seconds.

"On the appointed day, when officials of the Guinness Book of World Records came to witness the achievement, we broke all records - 34 leapfrog jumps in 30 seconds flat. No one had done this before. We got our names enshrined in the record books. It was a very proud moment for me personally because we were able to do something for Pakistan, a dream I had harboured since my childhood," Sheraz told Khaleej Times in Dubai.

Sheraz plays professional cricket in Pakistan. He has been part of the prestigious Under-16, Under-19 and first-class cricket tournaments in his country for more than a decade. "Leapfrog jumps are not easy. It requires a lot of stamina and training. Most people cannot go beyond four to five jumps. For an athlete, the challenge is to keep going, and excel with each day. Apart from leapfrog training, I enjoy playing cricket, having won various accolades over the years for my performances," the 24-year-old added.

Sheraz, who works as an executive for ICAP Shipping Dubai, a large firm with a market coverage including Dry Cargo, Containers and Tankers, continues his passion for sports. "My company has supported me a lot. After office hours, I practise sports for a few hours each day. Previously, I have been awarded the President's Trophy for 'Best Batsman of Tournament' in Pakistan. Apart from receiving a certificate from the Punjab government, hailing me as a 'youth icon', I have won several laurels from the ICC Coaching Centre in Dubai. In the UAE, I intend to carry on the winning streak," a beaming Sheraz said.

With an aim to be part of the UAE cricket team in the future, the young Pakistani is working hard to carry forward the legacy of success. Sheraz's father was in the Pakistan Air Force and one of his siblings is a gold medalist in academics. "I have been inspired by the likes of Aleem Dar (ex-Pakistani first-class cricketer and a member of the ICC Elite umpire panel) and Abdul Razzaq (former right arm fast-medium bowler and a right-handed batsman for Pakistan) - both of whom went to the P&T Gymkhana Cricket Club, a place I frequent in Pakistan. I want to excel in sports and represent the UAE in international cricket in the years ahead," he concluded.

- sadiq@khaleejtimes.com

• Pakistan