29 February 2004	Sunday	08 Muharram 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 28: Pakistani athletics officials hope to win five gold medals in the 9th SAF Games as compared to two golds at the 8th edition in 1999.

"We are expecting five gold, seven silver and 13 bronze medals this time," secretary Pakistan Athletics Federation Khalid Mehmood told reporters during a briefing on Pakistan's chances in track-and-field events during the March 29-April 7 SAF Games.

Up to 32 gold medals, 19 for boys and 13 for women, will be up for grabs at the track-and-field events of the SAF Games.

Khalid said that as an incentive Rs 10,000 will be awarded to an athlete for setting a new national record in his respective event during the SAF Games.

He expected five gold, six silver and seven bronze medals by the male athletes and one silver and six bronze medals from lady athletes.

"The training of boys and girls athletes is progressing satisfactorily and the selected squads also have international experience", he said.

Two Chinese coaches, assisted by nine Pakistanis, are training the athletes, he said.

He conceded that the performance of Pakistani athletes was "good" in 1989 SAF Games but that the standard has declined since then.

To a question, he said the Federation will launch talent- hunt campaign after the SAF Games.

He said children interested in athletics will be invited through newspaper advertisements in countrywide open trials soon after the SAF Games, after which the selected kids will be coached at an academy in Lahore. -APP