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“I am confident that our weightlifters will win medals in the Games,” said Rashid on Tuesday.
He said doping would not be a concern for his weightlifters, adding that all of them underwent strenuous training.
The coach said he was a bit worried over the security of the team but optimistic that Games will end on a happy note.
“We may not be allowed to roam free due to turbulent relations between Pakistan and India,” remarked Rashid, also a former national champion.
The director-general of the Pakistan Sports Board, Amir Hamza Gilani, said the government would take appropriate measures on its end, if necessary, to ensure security of the contingent.
Asked about the doping tests, he said “Doping is not a concern for the team as our earlier test reports were also negative. I have ensured my best that players should eat a better food and take only those food supplements which are allowed under laws of the international weightlifting federation.”
Pakistan got its first medal in weightlifting in 1970's British Commonwealth Games when Abdul Ghafoor got a silver medal in 52kg category.
Mohammad Irfan was one of the successful weightlifters of the country claiming three silver medals.
Sons of Abdul Ghafoor -- Abdullah and Ishtiaq -- have also been selected by the federation. “I wish to stand on the podium like my father,” said Abdullah.
Shujauddin Malik said he was hopeful of claiming another gold medal after winning it in the previous edition of the Games in Melbourne, Australia, in 2006.
Weightlifters Abdullah Ghafoor (56kg), Ishtiaq Ghafoor (62kg), Matiur Rehman Butt (69kg), Khurram Shehzad (85kg), Shujauddin Malik (94kg), Sajjad Amin Malik (105kg).
Officials Rashid Mahmood (coach), Ilyas Butt (assistant coach).
