The Pakistan skiing squad are now aiming to make an impression in the Asian events. PHOTO: SFP
The team will now head to Lebanon and Turkey in order to earn at least 140 points to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Russia next year.
According to a Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) official, the team failed to perform in Austria and Italy, where the world’s top class skiers are participating.
“The skiers were unlucky this time, they didn’t even find enough snow in Austria,” the official told The Express Tribune. “The skiers performed to the best of their ability but they couldn’t make a mark among more than 50 other athletes in the competition.”
Meanwhile, the team is now setting its sights on the FIS race in Turkey which will continue till March 11.
“Our performance in Austria was not as great, but I wasn’t expecting much either,” added the official. All we know is that we need to gather 140 points, or else no Winter Olympics for us for another four years.”
On the other hand, another SFP coach who refused to be named said that the Europe trip took place in haste and the skiers were not ready.
“I doubt that they can collect the 140 points, because they don’t have professional coaches with them,” said the coach. “So far they have lost two opportunities and that is not a good sign.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2013.
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Based on the hard fact that we don't have proper ski schools nor professional coaches who can train Pakistani skiers to take part in international competitions or reach the level of competency that Europeans have, hats off for even managing to Pakistani skiers for taking part at least in Austria and Italy! If we had proper coaching and funding and then the skiers failed to perform (like our cricketers) then I think we have reason to crib. Until then lets aim to be supportive of some positivity here, shall we?
Good. Blame the snow.