The tournament is the last chance for Pakistan shooters to confirm a place at the Olympics after failing to avail other opportunities, including the one at the 2010 Asian Games.
However, the shooters failed to impress in their initial tests, hampering their chance to represent Pakistan at this year’s event in London. According to information provided by the National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP), Shahzad Akhtar, who took part in the three-pistol event, finished 38th out of 50 contestants. Ayaz Tahir, who took part in the rifle event, ended a lowly 30th.
However, according to the NRAP Secretary Javed Lodhi, there was still hope and today’s proceedings will be important for Pakistan. “Our shooters will be featuring in air pistol and skeet events,” Lodhi told The Express Tribune. “These are the events where we put a lot of emphasis during training.”
Pakistan’s most accomplished shooter Khurram Inam, who has represented the country thrice at the Olympics, will be seen in action in the skeet event along with Abdul Sattar. “Extraordinary performances will be required in the skeet event because we’ll be up against Asia’s best,” he said.
Lodhi also pinned hopes on the female shooters. “Meshal Munir and Mehwish Maqsood have shown a lot of promise. They’re confident and I feel that they can go a long way.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2012.
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