Wushu players gear up for debut
Training camp for Islamic Solidarity Games kicks off today.
The camp will feature the top-six players of the country who had been registered six months ago with the organisers of the Islamic Solidarity Games, says PWF President. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
The training camp for wushu players will kick off in Lahore today, with the players expressing their enthusiasm for a chance to debut at the third Islamic Solidarity Games that are scheduled to start from September 22 in Indonesia.
Pakistan Wushu Federation (PWF) President Malik Iftikhar Ahmed said the camp would feature the top-six players of the country who had been registered six months ago with the organisers of the Islamic Solidarity Games.
He added that although Pakistan’s players are ready to compete against other countries in the Games, the only problem that the other federations along with wushu are facing is getting clearance from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
“It is a great opportunity for wushu players to debut at the Islamic Solidarity Games,” Iftikhar told The Express Tribune. “However, the internal problems between the Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the PSB-backed POA are a hindrance. Even the Games’ organisers are getting confused when it comes to communicating about the details with the two parties.
“Nevertheless, we are starting our camp, whatever the situation. Our players have been nominated and registered with the organisers.”
The PWF nominated three Wapda players, two from Army and one from Punjab for the Games. However, Iftikhar said the Army players may not participate in the camp.
Meanwhile, departmental players are eager to participate next month.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said one of the players. “I’m excited because we’ve never been featured or competed exclusively with players from other Muslim countries.
“The only thorn is the POA-PSB conflict, as that has gruelling consequences on the players. However, we will continue training for the event.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2013.
The training camp for wushu players will kick off in Lahore today, with the players expressing their enthusiasm for a chance to debut at the third Islamic Solidarity Games that are scheduled to start from September 22 in Indonesia.
Pakistan Wushu Federation (PWF) President Malik Iftikhar Ahmed said the camp would feature the top-six players of the country who had been registered six months ago with the organisers of the Islamic Solidarity Games.
He added that although Pakistan’s players are ready to compete against other countries in the Games, the only problem that the other federations along with wushu are facing is getting clearance from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
“It is a great opportunity for wushu players to debut at the Islamic Solidarity Games,” Iftikhar told The Express Tribune. “However, the internal problems between the Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the PSB-backed POA are a hindrance. Even the Games’ organisers are getting confused when it comes to communicating about the details with the two parties.
“Nevertheless, we are starting our camp, whatever the situation. Our players have been nominated and registered with the organisers.”
The PWF nominated three Wapda players, two from Army and one from Punjab for the Games. However, Iftikhar said the Army players may not participate in the camp.
Meanwhile, departmental players are eager to participate next month.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said one of the players. “I’m excited because we’ve never been featured or competed exclusively with players from other Muslim countries.
“The only thorn is the POA-PSB conflict, as that has gruelling consequences on the players. However, we will continue training for the event.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2013.