Pakistan contingent arrives in India promising medals

LAHORE: The first batch of the Pakistan contingent that left for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, arrived in the Indian capital, aiming high with promises of lifting Pakistan and pledging medals for the country.

Pakistan is targeting medals in eight different disciplines when the games start from October 3 with strong chances in weightlifting, tennis, hockey and boxing.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Qasim Zia, while addressing the team, said that the PHF was using its full resources to provide best facilities to its players and we are also expecting a good result from the players. He was hopeful that the team will put up a good performance.

“Pakistan team will not get gold in the Commonwealth Games and that is based on reality. But apart from this, our expectations from the team are very high.”

The PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa echoed Zia’s claims and said, “Our main target is the Asian Games because that is a ranking and an Olympic qualifying event while the Commonwealth Games are not a ranking or qualifying event.”

Ten teams are taking part in the event starting from October 5. Pool A comprises Australia, Pakistan, Malaysia, India and Scotland, while Pool B features England, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago. Pakistan will play its first match against Scotland on October 5 followed by matches against Malaysia, Australia and India.

The 38-year-old weightlifter Shujauddin Malik will be making a comeback after two years out with a foot injury and is hoping to repeat his gold-medal winning performance from Melbourne four years ago.

Meanwhile, after reaching two doubles finals at the US Open, Aisamul Haq Qureshi remains hopeful to find success after experiencing enormous exposure at Flushing Meadows and will aim to win a tennis medal for Pakistan in a below-strength field for the Commonwealth Games.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2010.