5 member Pakistani squad off to Doha to vie in 23rd Asian Athletics Championships
Pakistan’s 5 athletes left for Doha to participate in the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships which are slated to be held from 21st to 24th April at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) have sent 5 of its best athletes to take part in the mega international event that is Asian Athletics Championship into its 23rd edition. The federation admits that not all of the sent athletes are fully prepared to participate in the international championship as despite of the several requests by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) for sponsoring a camp, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) did not support the five athletes.
AFP President, Major General (R) Akram Sahi agreed that no big expectations could be attached with the athletes as no proper camp had been held.
"You are aware that we requested the government several times that our athletes need a camp but nothing was done. We are sending the athletes for protecting the honor of the country. It Is the responsibility of the state to sponsor camps. Federations are unable to bear expenses of camps," said Sahi.
The five member squad includes 3 male athletes, only one female and they are accompanied by their coach: 2018 Asian Games bronze medalist, Arshad Nadeem from WAPDA, sprinter, Uzair of Army, former Olympian, Mehboob Ali also from Army, high jumper belonging to WAPDA, Shehroz and sprinter Sahib-e-Asra also of WAPDA.
Arshad, who is the country’s popular javelin thrower has a been unable to prepare properly and has been practicing on his own at his village in Mian Channu, in a small ground in which he can not even attempt a throw.
However, AFP President, Akram Sahi is satsified with the Army’s athletes: Uzair and Mehboob Ali as he said they are in good shape.
The 23rd Asian Athletics Championships will have the usual continental teams who will be seen competing in the upcoming sports for the top spot. After the Japanese dominance over the championship, China had been undisputed champions for 17 successive editions until they were unseated by last edition’s hosts and eventual winners India.
