Pakistan rowers to feature in Asian event

Federation expecting medals at junior championship in Taiwan.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Rowing Federation (PRF) is expecting medals at the 2014 Asian Junior Championship as three rowers left for the competition in Yillan, Taiwan.

Young athlete Hassan Currimbhoy will be the main hope for a medal in the single scull event.

This will be Hassan’s second appearance at the championship, while double scull rowers Salma Rabia Arif and Aleena Abid will be debuting in the biggest event of their rowing career.

Earlier, Pakistani rowers won 12 medals at the South East Asian Rowing Championship in Singapore and 10 at the 2014 Association of School Rowing in Asia (ASRA) Championship in Dubai.

“We are expecting a medal from Hassan,” PRF official Abdul Rahim Babai told The Express Tribune. “He was the youngest rower at the championship last time, and he ended his campaign with a good result. This time he can surprise his opponents.

“Similarly, the girls also have the potential to win a bronze medal in Taiwan.”

The championships will begin on September 3.

According to Hassan, his aim is to finish among the top 10 rowers at the championship.

“Last time I finished ninth or tenth in the event,” said the 18-year-old. “This time I’d want to improve. But I want to remain among the top 10.

“I’ve practiced for this competition for a month and a half, and I’m hoping to have a good time there.”

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Salma said that she and Aleena will make their coach Asghar Ali proud after having received a month-long training from him.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2014.

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