According to Razi, Mohammad Uzair Ahmed and Mohammad Shehzad Akhter received recognition in written form on reaching the finals, while Zeeshan Farid and Tanzeem Akhtar Abbasi were included in the world rankings list.
“Our shooters’ achievement during the 15-day struggle at the Commonwealth Games will help them in upcoming assignments and moving up in international rankings,” Razi told The Express Tribune.
Razi, who is also an International Sports Shooting Federation (ISSF) qualified coach, said that Pakistan’s shooters were able to give strong contenders like India, Australia and England a tough time in the finals even without the assistance of world class training facilities.
He added that players around the world are practicing on high standard electronic ranges, while in Pakistan, the shooters have to make do with the same old low-standard ranges.
“Our shooters don’t have a single shooting range that meets international standards. Then, how can one expect medals from them?” asked Razi.
However, the coach said that they are still positive about their preparations for their next big assignment, the Asian Games, and are aiming for a better performance.
“I praised my charges on their performance but I also instructed them that they have to improve their record and win more accolades for Pakistan in the Asian Games.”
Meanwhile, the coach also criticised the government’s role in failing to improve the standard of sports in Pakistan.
“If the athletes had at least 50% of the facilities that other nations have, I guarantee we could have secured more than just three silver medals and one bronze.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2014.
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@Adhitya, I dont see coach saying that we are the most talented country in the world, he is just praising the team that even without have proper facilities shooters were still able to make their mark and get recognition.
Shooting few defenceless birds does not mean world class "Shooters".
Unfortunately! All your delusions are based on being the most talented country in the world.