Gold hopes rest on Shuja’s shoulders

Shujauddin Malik will be in action today in the 94-kilogramme category.


Fawad Hussain October 08, 2010

KARACHI: Shujauddin Malik, who won the only gold for Pakistan in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, will be in action today in the 94-kilogramme category, with the nation’s hopes resting on him for a repeat performance.

Pakistan has a solitary medal — a wrestling silver — to show from their efforts in New Delhi so far and Malik, despite the flag-carrying snub at the opening ceremony, will be counted on to land Pakistan’s first gold of the event.

“We’re counting on Shuja and expecting a medal from him,” his manager and coach Rashid Mehmood told The Express Tribune. “He’s feeling much better and is ready to take part in the event. Hopefully he’d have good news for us.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan weightlifter Khurram Shehzad failed to impress in the 85-kilogramme event after finishing seventh. The gold medal went to Australia, followed by New Zealand and Canada. The national weightlifters have failed to feature in the top five in the four events they took part in.

Nisar advances in boxing

Pakistan boxers experienced mixed fortunes on day five that saw seasoned pugilist Nisar Khan advancing to the quarter-finals while Mir Waiz Khan crashed out of the competition. Featuring in the 75-kg fight, Nisar beat Seychelles Jovette Jain 13-1 to seal his progress in the middleweight competition.

“I didn’t want to give any chance to my opponent so I opted for an aggressive approach,” said Nisar. “My strategy worked and I’m still in contention.”

Pakistan suffered a setback when Mir Waiz was sent packing by a Trinidad & Tobago boxer in the 91-plus category bout. “He was one of our main contenders and we are hurt by his loss,” said boxing manager Ijaz Farooqui. Despite the loss, Pakistan still have three boxers in the fray for a podium finish including Nisar, Haroon Khan and Mohammad Waseem who will feature in their respective quarter-final bouts today.

Shooters’ woes persist

Two Pakistan shooters who participated in 10-metre air pistol and rapid-fire contests returned empty-handed on a day dominated by the hosts who have so far earned nine gold medals in the discipline.

Ikramullah improved his performance and reached the final of the event where he finished seventh after scoring 570 out of 600 points. Mutsaqeem Shah, however, failed to reach the final of 25-metre rapid fire event after finishing eighth in the qualifying rounds.

Shah complains of theft in room

Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, Pakistan’s chef-de-mission, was reportedly robbed of INR24,800 when unidentified men entered his room. “The money was stolen when I went for breakfast,” Shah told The Express Tribune. “Security is very tight and nobody can expect a theft.” He said the police have questioned four suspects and were cooperating in the matter.

Australia athlete Pearson

“I guess I’m just numb right now [after being disqualified from the 100-metre sprint.]. I’m just going to use my disappointment and put it into the hurdles.”

India tennis player Devvarman

“It feels great. Matt’s a great player. Once I got my groove, I made it tough for him. It’s huge. Today was one of my bigger days. It’s a guaranteed medal for the country.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2010.

COMMENTS (1)

Azeem | 13 years ago | Reply Sad to hear about the theft. I wish they had stolen Dr. Shah instead. the entire nation would have been grateful.
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