ISLAMABAD, Aug 11: Some Pakistani skiing players are close to the qualification standards for the 2006 Winter Olympics to be held at Torino (Italy). This was observed at the Executive Committee meeting of Ski Federation of Pakistan held under the chairmanship of president Air Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, on Thursday, it was officially learnt.

The Committee discussed the possibilities of participating in Winter Olympics, “since some of the athletes are closer to meet the qualification criteria for the Olympics”, it was stated.

Group Captain Zulfiqar H Khan secretary general, Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) informed the meeting that the new ski equipment is being procured from USA for athletes. The committee also discussed the improvement of Malam Jabba and Ayubia ski slopes.—APP