BRADFORD’s undefeated Asian arm wrestling world champion will be defending his title for the first time in Bradford this weekend.

Umar Khan, 24, from Manningham, took the World Heavyweight Championship in Beeni, a form of arm wrestling popular in South Asia, two years ago when he defeated the previous champion who had held the title for 15 years.

The gentle giant has defended his belt six times since the win - including three bouts in Pakistan - but this will be the first time he has fought in Bradford.

Mr Khan will take on challenger Raja Umar Khan, from Luton, at the University of Bradford Sports Hall at Trinity Green Campus, in Trinity Road, on Sunday from 4pm.

Yasser Ali, a friend of Mr Khan, said they are hoping to get a large crowd to watch the match to inspire more youngsters in Bradford to take up the sport.

He said: “Umar is really excited to wrestle in Bradford and is a true champion.

"He has been training hard all year, and he doesn't want to let anyone down.

"We're hoping for a really good turnout, there's some other matches on the undercard too so it should be a great event.

“It’s so important to get young lads down to get them off the streets and doing sports instead. It doesn't matter what sport but things like Beeni and boxing are so good for them.

"We train three to five times a week, and it's so much better to get them in the gym, training and developing as people rather than out on the streets and it keeps them away from trouble."

Tickets for the bout cost £6 per person, with all proceeds from the event going to local charities.