22 August 2004	Sunday	05 Rajab 1425

ATHENS, Aug 21: Pakistan's only male athlete running in Athens Olympics was eliminated in the heats of 400m after he finished 48th here on Friday night at Olympic Stadium.

In a field of 63 runners, Sajid who was making his debut in the grand event, returned timings of 47.10 seconds, a bitterly disappointing show as he even failed to better his own national record he had set earlier this year in Rawalpindi returning a timing of 47.10.

Sajid failed to overcome pressure and was visibly tense and nervous before the start of the meet. "Yes, I could not sustain the pressure. New track was a trouble for me as it was very hard and solid. I was never comfortable on it, neither during the training nor during competition," said a disheartened Sajid after the meet.

"I feel frustrated for not improving my own record, I should have done it. Still taking part in Olympics alone is a very beneficial experience for me as it will help me improve further for next year's South Asia and Islamic Games," he said.

Pakistan athletics team manager, Khalid Mahmood was equally disappointed over Sajid's performance. "I expected he would return improved timings which did not happen," he said.

In 21-lap race, Sajid was good in first 300m but gradually he ran out of stamina and technique and failed to maintain his speed and rhythm. "We hope he has gained the much-needed experience and exposure ... for the events to come," said Khalid.

The other member of Pakistan team, Sumaira Manzoor, will take part in the 1500m on Aug 24. Both the athletes are participating in Olympics through special invitation cards, which International Olympic Committee gives to the countries, which fail to qualify.-APP