International Ski Federation approves funds for foreign coach

Pakistan to receive 10,000 Swiss Francs to hire someone to train the local players

KARACHI: The International Ski Federation (FIS) has approved funds for a foreign coach to train Pakistan’s skiing athletes.

According to the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) spokesperson Obaidur Rehman Abbasi, the FIS has been supportive of Pakistan and has allocated around 10,000 Swiss Francs as funds for a foreign coach.

Abbasi said that this is a crucial step as a foreign coach will be able to help the local talent at home, while sending athletes abroad for training used to cost the SFP significantly.

“It is an achievement,” Abbasi told The Express Tribune. “The FIS has allotted us a sum; however, the issue is finding a coach who will come to Pakistan. We need to shortlist the names and send a list to FIS. People are scared of coming to Pakistan but we are trying. This step will help the young talent in our country.”

The SFP added that the federation is hopeful of getting an approval from FIS to host international events as well.

“Homologation was done for both Naltar and Malam Jabba last year,” said Abbasi. “The FIS official was satisfied with our progress and also commented that Pakistan is safe for international tournaments. That is a big remark, and hopefully it will encourage others to visit. Pakistan’s report with the FIS has been submitted by the official and we are getting good feedback so far.”

On the other hand, Pakistan will also get a snow-pressing machine worth Rs52 million. SFP official said that the machine has also been approved by the FIS and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have helped SFP get it from Germany. Meanwhile, the inauguration of a chairlift in Naltar will be in two weeks.

“We have wanted to get this piston-bully machine for years and the PSB released the money finally. It will be functional in two months in Pakistan,” said Abbasi.

Pakistan will send two boys to Korea for the Dream Program 2015, which begins on January 25. This is the fifth time Pakistan is sending teenage athletes to the programme. On the other hand, the local ski season will be delayed due to a lack of snowfall in Naltar and in Kalabagh.

 

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