Swimming: Kiran wants to stay afloat

Pakistan swimmer keen on participation in Olympics.

KARACHI: Pakistan swimmer Kiran Khan is hoping to leave a mark at this year’s London Olympics, confident that a wild-card entry will inspire her to give an impressive performance in the global event.

However, a lack of communication between the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), which stated that the country has earned a wild-card entry, and the swimming federation was evident after the latter declined having any knowledge of the development.

Confusion remains

While the POA confirmed wild-card entries for swimmers and athletes, the Pakistan Swimming Federation (PSF) Secretary Major Majid Waseem said that Fina, the sport’s governing body, was still considering the performance of Kiran, Anum Bandey and Israr Hussain before finalising their names for the Olympics.

“We still have to wait,” Waseem told The Express Tribune. “I don’t think there are any bright chances for Pakistan. As for Kiran, she got a wildcard entry in 2008, and as far as I know Fina wouldn’t give a wild-card to the same person again, unless they’ve performed exceptionally in the qualifiers.”

‘Pakistan can do well’

However, Waseem was confident that Pakistan’s female swimmers had the potential to impress and was hopeful that the same would happen this time around.

Meanwhile, Kiran, who has been Pakistan number one for five years, said she was practising hard despite the uncertainty surrounding the country’s participation in the swimming event.

“I am practising very hard but I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” said Kiran. “I feel I still have a chance of participating in the Olympics, but of course it all depends on Fina.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2012.