Pakistan Swimming Federation (PSF) has appealed to Punjab and Sindh governments to allocate land the first ever swimming academy in the country. Though the federation has funding to build the academy that will feature a 50 by 25 feet pool and 200 athletes, the project cannot be completed without land allotment.
This was stated by PSF President Kamran Lashari at the inaugural ceremony of the swimming coaching course at Islamabad Club on Monday.
“Though we have talent in Pakistan, we lack the equipment, techniques and expertise to excel in swimming and other sports, said Lashari. Swimming is not even predominantly recognszed as a sport due to social, economic and religious reasons.”
To hone the skills of 43 participants, famed Indian coach, Pradeep Kumar will be leading the course. Kumar shared that he looked forward to the skill-building experience and hoped that it will be as fruitful as it was four years ago when he visited Pakistan.
Kumar who is at level five, which is the highest, will be teaching new techniques in competitive swimming at level 5 to about 17 women and 26 men, so they can become better coaches.
“The great thing about Kumar is that even though Pakistan and India compete against each other regionally, he coaches Pakistani participants with his whole heart,” said Veena Masud, secretary Pakistan Women’s Swimming Association.
Ayesha Tajwar, 26 and Sana Wahid, 28, coaches from Karachi, said they started swimming when they were 11. “Unfortunately, we don’t always have access to new techniques because of a lack of expertise. That’s why having Kumar here is a real opportunity,” Tajwar shared with The Express Tribune.
I learned variations within the four stroke in competitive swimming along with breathing, arm and kick action, that helped me grow as a swimmer when I took Kumar’s coaching class four years back, she added.
Wahid noted that athletes require a holistic approach to coaching which includes information about nutrition, diet, logistics and training methodology.
Masud said in addition to athletes, teachers and trainers are also participating in the course. “We are actively seeking swimmers who have the intellectual ability to perceive coaching as a science.”
Though Pakistan does not have international standing as yet in swimming, Lashari believes the sport has made important strides on a national level. He announced the federation’s intention to host an international swimming championship in Islamabad around mid January.
The course will be in session from November26 to December 2 at Islamabad Club, and was organised by Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) in collaboration with Pakistan Sports Federation.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2012.
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