Too hot to play, lament athletes

Participants rue National Games’ scheduling amid warm weather.

KARACHI: National athletes relayed their concerns regarding weather conditions with the National Games scheduled to start from June 28 in Islamabad.

Sindh captain Muhammad Zada, who will be leading a 20-member men’s contingent in Islamabad, said weather conditions were key determinant in a player’s performance and complained over the scheduling of the Games in the summer.

Zada added that despite promises made by organisers regarding scheduling athletics events during the early morning and evening hours, the heat would still take a toll.



“We are told that our events will be scheduled in the morning and evening, but holding the Games in June and July is not a very wise idea,” Zada told The Express Tribune. “Traditionally, the National Games take place at the end of the year because the weather is more suited. I can say that in categories such as the 100-metres or 1500-metre sprints, the athletes will get exhausted half-way through the race.”

Meanwhile, according to Pakistan Sports Board officials, the Pakistan Olympic Association’s (POA) interim committee received Rs80 million to restage the National Games in Islamabad.

While the Games will be featuring 38 sports in the week-long event, many federations have decided against participation due to the ongoing tussle between the PSB and POA.

However, many athletes have committed to featuring at the event. “We are participating because of the department,” said an Army athlete. “We didn’t participate in the National Games in December as Army didn’t recognise the organisers. Even though we are happy to compete, I just think the weather could have some drastic affects.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2013.

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