Pakistan isn’t that famous for the exploits of its swimmers, as it is for its feats in the fields of hockey and cricket. So it was little surprise that Pakistan failed to make it big in the swimming competition in the recently held Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. However, what did make the headlines were the efforts of two Pakistani women swimmers, Kiran Khan and Sana Wahid who, even though couldn’t secure a medal, still won the hearts of the media and the spectators in Manchester.
Thirteen year-old Kiran Khan and 18 year-old Sana Wahid, along with their manager Veena Masood, formed the Pakistani female swimming squad at Manchester. For Kiran, the competition proved to be a personal milestone as she was declared the youngest swimmer of the competition. At the same time, Sana Wahid, the five times national champion, improved her own national mark in the 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly.
But above everything else, the two made waves with the media and the public. Representatives of international media organizations like the BBC, The Guardian, Times of London and Sky TV, all wanted to interview the two girls. They were intrigued by the fact that a country like Pakistan, which gets a lot of negative publicity in the international media, especially when it comes to women, had a squad competing in the women’s swimming competition. Veena was also invited to participate in a seminar, organized by the Commonwealth where she was given a standing ovation for her efforts. The two girls were also greeted warmly by the audience. It was repeatedly announced that Kiran Khan was the youngest participant of the swimming events.
On arriving at the venue, the two girls followed a vigorous training schedule. While Kiran followed her own programme and trained at her own pace, Sana raised her level of training and in the presence of faster swimmers she upped her competitive temperament enjoying the challenge in the process. She attended all the training sessions adding to her competence and improving her efficiency in preparation for the main event.
Sana participated in four events — the 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m and 100m butterfly. In the process she also became the first Pakistani woman to swim for her country in the Commonwealth Games. The occasion was befitting for Sana as she is one of the pioneers of women swimming in the country with credentials of being a national champion for five years. And no matter how nervous she was for the first event, she bettered two national records — the 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly and swam a personal best in the 100m freestyle.
Most of the medal winners were in the mid or late-20s. This is a good sign for the two girls who still have a good ten more years of competitive swimming to go. Sana is now convinced that if she receives proper training and coaching, the way other swimmers do, she too can achieve far better results to reach one of the top swimmers of the world. Other competitors were accompanied at the Games by coaches, psychiatrists and moral supporters. No expense was spared in looking after their needs.
The other member of the Pakistani squad, Kiran Khan is a very self-absorbed young girl. Before embarking for the competition her family was very optimistic that she would win a medal. However, the fierce level of competition was an eye-opener for Kiran. In the pool she was taken aback when she saw other swimmers whiz by her in 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke. Still it was that feel of competition and the experience gained that mattered the most. Furthermore, the experience too was telling as she now knows what is actually required to make a future champion.
The participation of Pakistani women swimmers in Commonwealth Games has proved to be a stepping stone for future international assignments. The Manchester meet has made a positive impact for women swimmers who are now striving for more chances to compete on the international level.
It may be recalled that Pakistani women swimmers returned with a rich haul of 45 medals in the Third Muslim Women’s Games, in Tehran, belittling the assessment of sports authorities by exhibiting excellence and determination to bring laurels to the country.
Pakistan isn’t that famous for the exploits of its swimmers, as it is for its feats in the fields of hockey and cricket. So it was little surprise that Pakistan failed to make it big in the swimming competition in the recently held Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. However, what did make the headlines were the efforts of two Pakistani women swimmers, Kiran Khan and Sana Wahid who, even though couldn’t secure a medal, still won the hearts of the media and the spectators in Manchester.
