KARACHI, July 20: The former secretary of the Pakistan Sailing Federation (PSAF) Capt A R Arshad has become the first Pakistani and the only Asian to be nominated by ISAF for conducting a sailing regatta at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

21 officials were shortlisted as International Race Officers (IROs) from among 200

IROs invited by the world body for the Olympics assignment.

“I feel honoured to be the only Asian in this high-ranking sailing event,” Arshad told Dawn from Doha on Thursday.

He said conducting Olympic races would immensely enhance his racing and managing experience.

Arshad would be travelling to China next month to attend the test event being held at Qingdao from August 18 to Sept 1. The second and last test event prior to the Olympics will be held sometime next year.

Arshad, who has been serving as technical advisor for the

Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation since March 2005, has also been instrumental in organising the 12th Asian Sailing Championship at Doha during March this year.