October 13, 2006	Friday	Ramazan 19, 1427

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KARACHI, Oct 12: Things move at a slow pace in Pakistan and sports is no exception. This is evident from the fact that Pakistan Sailing Federation (PSAF) was awaiting release of funds to kick off training of sailors for Dec 1 to 15 Asian Games in Doha.

The sport has suffered from a step-motherly treatment by the concerned quarters for the preparation of Asiad which comes every four years. This time neither a foreign coach was invited nor the sailors were sent abroad which speaks of the apathy in this water sport.

In a last ditch effort, the PSAF has asked Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to provide 5.5 million rupees for sending Match Racing team on a short training tour abroad. According to the itinerary, PSAF plans to send the four-member team to Europe from Oct 18 to 25, to Bahrain from Nov 1 to 12 and to Japan from Nov 18-26.

However, since the PSAF has failed to get a positive response of their letter despite a passage of almost ten days, chances of the European tour appear bleak.

The PSAF has picked Match Racing with the contention that it has brighter chances of securing a medal compared to other classes.

This means that Doha-bound sailors of other classes, picked after a series of trials, are set to be left high and dry by the federation for the Asiad.