File photos of Amina and Ifrah Wali. PHOTO: SHABBIR MIR
The sisters are representing the country in the International Ski Federation (FIS) races in Erzurum, Turkey along with three other male athletes — Pakistan’s first Winter Olympian Muhammad Abbas, teenager Muhammad Karim and Mir Nawaz.
Ifra and her elder sister Amina faced tough competition in their opening races on Sunday.
Ifra finished the slalom event in 16th position as she clocked three minutes and 8.56 seconds to complete the two runs. Meanwhile, Amina followed her in 17th spot, clocking three minutes and 28.46 seconds.
“They are debuting at the FIS races, so we’ll mostly just be encouraging them,” Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) Secretary Musarat Ali told The Express Tribune.
“They are the best female talent back home and we wanted to give them a fair chance. They’ve never competed in the FIS recognised event before.
“We need to send one male and one female athlete to the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year. Once they’ll come back we’ll evaluate their results from the five races and their FIS points.”
The official further stated that the exposure would benefit the athletes.
“Even if these girls don’t qualify, we’ll send them to Lebanon and Iran to compete later. More so, this event will benefit them as it will give them international exposure.”
On the other hand, Karim finished his first race at 20th position among the top 20 athletes in the men’s slalom event. He completed the two runs in two minutes and 17.29 seconds, whereas Abbas and Nawaz secured 31st and 32nd spot respectively in their opening races.
Ali added that the SFP wanted to highlight the ongoing conflict between the Pakistan Olympic Association and the government, which might hinder Pakistan’s participation in the Winter Olympics.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (9)
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Great to see fellow Kashmiris albeit across the border, do well! Hopefully one day they can visit Gulmarg here in India too.
Keep it up
and thanks for the prestige you earned for country
good luck sisters?
Great news after a long time
despite all the thick and thin, you made it to FIS races. We are proud of you, keep it up.
I surely believe if our youth is given training and equipment like European does for their athletes, we will be far ahead form our current positions.
Also, why corporate companies doesn't support non conventional sports, why they just run behind cricket?
sisters keep it up and work hard we always pray for success God bless you.
Where theres a will theres always a way ... Really proud of all the participants breaking new grounds
I applaud the two sisters and wish them luck in their pursuit of their goals.
Important is to be there Bravo!