Finally, the first of its kind international-level swimming pool in Punjab is ready for a test meet next week. The pool is situated in Nishtar Sports Complex. The Sports Board Punjab, the custodian of the pool, in collaboration with the Punjab Swimming Association has decided to hold the first event at the pool to test facilities available before holding a formal inauguration with a big gala.

It has two pools -- the long course is 21 metres wide and 50m long, while short course is 21m wide and 25m long. It will be open throughout the year as it is equipped with a heating system to keep it warm in winter.

The allied facilities provided in the arena include two gyms, a snooker club, a mini cinema hall, conference rooms and a sauna. A sports goods shop will also be opened for swimmers and other athletes. Special children and those from the SOS Village would be allowed to use the infrastructure for free. Soon after the test meet, memberships will be opened for the pool.

Currently, no pool in the government sector is available to swimmers in Punjab. In Lahore, the pools available are under the private sector. In the 80s, the Punjab government built a pool in Model Town, but it was not open to the public as it was under the town authorities.

This project was announced in 2007-08 by the then chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. The change of government affected the pace of its construction. It received regular funds in the last three years; its total cost in 2007-08 was Rs160 million, which had now increased to Rs500 million as many more facilities had been added to the original plan.

Now the challenge would be running the pool successfully being a huge public project.

With little opportunities for the national hockey team to practice before the World Hockey League (WHL) in London next month, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) initiated a triangular series last week to let the team practice.

The senior team is playing against the Pakistan Whites and PHF Development Squad at the Johar Hockey Stadium. The federation has failed to set any matches against European teams and earlier it also faced an upset when the Malaysian Hockey Confederation did not invite Pakistan to the traditional Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, which is under way in Malaysia.

After missing these international opportunities, the PHF has decided to hold a triangular series for some practice. The WHL is essentially a qualifying round for World Cup 2018. Pakistan failed to qualify for the last world cup in 2014; the country has been facing setbacks in the national game for three decades.

It was the first time that Malaysia ignored Pakistan, a regular contender in the tournament. Hockey circles believe that Malaysia took the decision due to pressure from Hockey India, which has become a giant in the world of the sport after its Narinder Batra was elected president of the International Hockey Federation. India is now a dominating force in cricket and hockey, and Pakistan could face more humiliation in both sports in the future.

The 26th Corps Commander Cup Golf Tournament started at the Lahore Garrison Golf and Country Club last week. General Officer Commanding Maj Gen Syed Muhammad Adnan inaugurated the tournament that will conclude today (Sunday).

Overall, 389 golfers from all over the country featured in the three-day tournament. Among them, 125 are competing in amateurs category, 68 in senior amateurs, 46 in veterans, 21 in women and 19 in boys from 13 golf clubs of the country.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2017