The Pakistan Rowing Federation (PRF) has selected the top three national rowers to take part in the event that starts from April 26 in Chungju, South Korea — Mohammad Akram (Wapda), Waliullah (Pakistan Army) and Asiam Aijaz (Pakistan Navy), while Punjab’s Shahid Nazeer will accompany the team as manager-cum-coach.
Hockey is still the only sport where Pakistan will be represented in after a dismal show in boxing, leaving the country’s hopes hanging on wildcard entries in athletics, swimming and shooting.
However, the national rowers, who took part in the 2000 Sydney Olympic, are confident of giving their best.
“The participants were selected after thorough trials,” the PRF Secretary Rizwanul Haq told The Express Tribune. “They’ve trained very hard in the last few months at the national training camp in Rawal Lake.”
Haq, a former national champion, refused to make predictions.
“We’re aware of our limitations and it won’t be appropriate to make tall claims. At the moment we’re only hoping for the best.
“Our chances also depend on what our players learnt during the camp in South Korea. It’s going to be vital because it will help our players get aware of the surroundings.”
The qualifying event is offering four Olympic berths for the top teams in the doubles events, while rowers among the top six in individual contests also confirm their London ticket.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2012.
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