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| July 17, 2005 | Sunday | Jumadi-us-Sani 9, 1426 |
PSAF chalks out ambitious programme
KARACHI, July 16: Pakistan Sailing Federation (PSAF) has chalked out an ambitious programme aimed at providing extensive training to sailors with an eye on next year’s Qatar Asian Games.
“Pakistan had strong sailing roots and can ensure at least one medal at the Asian level be it 470, Enterprise, Laser or Optimist but the target is to enhance standard and secure more medals,” Capt (retd) S. V. Hasan, who has assumed the charge of secretary general, PSAF, told newsmen in a briefing held at National Sailing Centre (NSC) on Saturday. He will also hold charge of secretary, NSC.
The incumbent has replaced Capt Javed Manzoor, who served as interim secretary for two months. The latter took over charge after Capt (retd) A. R. Arshad who remained at the helm of affairs for almost 15 years, stepped down and proceeded abroad to take up a new assignment.
Hasan, a veteran sailor having represented the country in a number of international regattas for about 25 years including Seoul Olympics in 1988, said PSAF president Rear Admiral Asad Qureshi had issued directives to enhance the existing sailing level by taking it to new heights.
He disclosed that the PSAF was organizing two courses in the near future in addition to the ‘Race Management Clinic’ concluded last week. Attended by 30 participants, it was conducted by ISAF delegate, Mark Pryke of Australia.
The second clinic ‘Learn to Sail’ will commence at the DHA Marina Club from Sunday under the supervision of ISAF delegate Tony Walton of England. The last ‘Judging Seminar’ will be held in November and will be conducted by international judge Pat Heally, he said.
The PSAF secretary said a four-member Optimist team including two girls, will compete in ‘Morocco Sailing Week’ being held from July 22 to 28. The team consists of Ghazal Mir Masood, Ujala Mir Masood, Hussain Patel and Adil Jalil Zubairi.
Besides a six-member team will travel to Istanbul to feature in a sailing competition. The team selected by the PSAF, comprises (Laser Standard) M. Yousuf (PAF), Ashfaq (PN); (Laser Radial) Sajjad (PAF), Lt Cdr. Mamoon Sadiq (PN); (470) Lt Cdr. Zahid Rauf (PN) and Amir Nawaz (PN). Squadron Ldr, Munawwar Alam will accompany the team as manager.
Pakistan, he said, will play host to regional South Asian Yachting Regatta (SAYR) Team Racing, from Sept 9 to 11. Besides the hosts, teams from India and Sri Lanka would feature in the contest.
Pakistan is the defending champion of the Regatta which was revived after over two decades in Sri Lanka last year.
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