KARACHI, April 4: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has decided to field athletes in 11 men and six women disciplines in the 30th National Games which runs in the city from April 9 to 14.

According to officials figures released on Wednesday, 53 athletes will rub their shoulders with opponents in the men events while 44 athletes will make their presence felt in women events.

The disciplines selected by the HEC are athletics, badminton, table tennis, tennis, gymnastics, squash, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, bodybuilding and boxing (men) athletics, badminton, table tennis, tennis, gymnastics and hockey (women).

The girls will be lodged at HEC Regional Centre while accommodation arrangements for boys have been made at Karachi University sports hostel.

Mr. Talat Khurshid was named as chef-de-mission, Ms Abida Shaheen (KU) and Tariq Gujjar (NED) will act as coordinators while Abdul Nasir will be media coordinator.

While athletes at the university level sets new mark globally, HEC sportspersons failed to shine in the last games at Quetta finishing at the bottom among 11 outfits without securing a single medal.

Meanwhile, Adnan Zaheer of KU was named to lead six-member HEC swimming team. Other members are Zohaib Hasan, Umer Perwaiz, M. Atif Shafiq, Hafiz Jawed and Ghous Bilal. Officials: Ms Abida Shaheen (manager), Shahid Masood (coach).

Jehanzeb Masood of NED University will lead a four-member HEC squash team. Other members include Azam Khan, Zohaib Ahmed and Naseem. Officials: Tariq Gujjar (manager), Osama Khan (coach).