Skiing runs in the blood of Naltar, says Abbas

Pakistan’s first Winter Olympian lauds efforts of SFP

KARACHI: Pakistan’s first Winter Olympian Muhammad Abbas believes that skiing as a sport is in a much better state than before as more children from his village in Naltar are participating in international events.

Abbas represented Pakistan in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the seasoned skier said that it is time for Pakistani talent to shine abroad as the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) is providing more facilities to the athletes.

“In 2010, I began something,” Abbas told The Express Tribune. “Now the skiing circuit in Pakistan is different. We have at least 32 children in the Naltar ski school, who train every day.”

Abbas has been a part of the PAF team in the local championships and feels that he still has a part to play as a key player and mentor.

“I have been training at the camp since a month for the national championship. I train with young athletes and this inspires me to improve. I can compete for another 10 years.”

Abbas said that in Naltar, which also produced Pakistan’s second winter Olympian Muhammad Karim, the children are naturally talented and understand skiing as a sport.

“We’ve grown up in the mountains. We understand the slopes. Karim made us proud, and he used to train with me as well.”

Abbas said that another high point for Naltar Valley is the installation of the chairlift by SFP and PAF and added that the technology will make a big difference for Naltar and for skiing.

He also lauded SFP’s efforts to bringing an international coach to Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st,  2015.

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