Pakistan contingent leaves for Samoa

Nine players to compete in four disciplines at Commonwealth Youth Olympics

KARACHI: Pakistan’s 13-member contingent, comprising tennis, boxing, squash and weightlifting players, left for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Olympics in Samoa on Wednesday.

Besides the five officials, Pakistan will be sending nine players in four disciplines, with U18 tennis player Rida Khalid confident that her three months of preparations will help her perform well at the tournament.

The Lahore-based athlete last competed on an international platform in India in November 2014, where she also clinched a doubles title with an Indian partner at the International Tennis Federation event.

“It’s a big event and my first time at the Commonwealth Youth Games,” Rida told The Express Tribune. “I’ve been training for three months in Lahore for this. Hopefully, I’ll register wins in the singles and mixed doubles competitions.”

Rida will be accompanied by top junior U16 player Muzammil Murtaza, who also competed at the junior Davis Cup earlier this year.

Meanwhile, national boxing coach Ali Bux feels that Muhammad Nadeem and Muhammad Shafiq have what it takes to shine at the Games in Samoa. “It’s their debut and I’m hoping they’ll win a medal or two there,” said Bux.

He added that the junior players, both U18, trained at the national camp in Karachi with more experienced pugilists, who also competed at the Asian championship this week.

“I’m happy that they are getting the opportunity to participate; this age group needs the most international exposure,” said Bux.

On the other hand, Pakistan Squash Federation is sending Asian Junior Champion Israr Ahmed and Sadia Gul with manager Sher Ali Kakar.

The weightlifting squad is made up of Taha Talib, Muhammad Usman, Abdul Rehman and manager Muhammad Rashid.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd,  2015.

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