March 05, 2008	Wednesday	Safar 26, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 4: All the 39 athletes of the Pakistan contingent were on Tuesday issued visas by the Indian High Commission here, clearing the last hurdle in their participation at the SAFF Athletics Championship in Cochin, Kerala.

A Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) official, while talking to Dawn, said that the team left for Lahore in the afternoon immediately after getting the visas.

The Pakistani athletes will participate in the SAFF Championship, to be organised by the Athletics Federation of India from March 7 to 9.

The official added that the team will be leaving for India on Wednesday via Wagah border.

Rana Nasrullah, the team coach, said that the delay will not put much pressure on the touring side as they will be reaching Cochin a day before the start of the event.

He added that 24 hours would be enough for the athletes to get settled and be familiar with the environment to deliver their best.

Rana said if the team met Olympic standards during the Saff Championship, it would ultimately pave their way for qualification for the Olympics.