Adil Sardar aims for Asian Games gold

Pakistan’s top pitcher also hopes for a place in major leagues abroad.

KARACHI: Adil Sardar, one of Pakistan’s finest baseball pitchers in current times, is targeting a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, while including playing for major leagues around the world on his list of ambitions.

The 22-year-old left-arm pitcher, who holds the national record for the highest speed of 81mph, is currently training at the ongoing national camp in Gujranwala for the forthcoming September event in Incheon, South Korea.

Sardar, who was selected for the camp a year ago from his university, says he has high aspirations for his future.

“I was selected on the basis of performance, and I am glad that I haven’t let the selectors down,” said Sardar while talking to The Express Tribune.

“My first goal is to make Pakistan win the gold at the Asian Games; secondly, I want to make my place in the major leagues of the world.

“Playing abroad will improve my skills in the presence of top coaches and high-class facilities.”

Meanwhile, head coach Mussadiq Hanif is optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of making it in the world’s top three teams. The national side currently stands on the 21st spot out of 124 countries and is fifth in Asia.

“We have a talented young pool that has been proving its worth during the camp,” said Hanif. “I’m confident they will give a tough time to strong teams like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and China — the top four teams in Asia.”

The coach added that the camp had shifted to Gujranwala from Lahore due to the hot weather conditions and Ramazan, but the final phase will take place in Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2014.

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