75-member CWG contingent finalised

A 75-member contingent of different sports has been finalised to represent the country in the Commonwealth Games being held in New Delhi from October 3-14.

This was stated by Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan, President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) at a news conference after a general council meeting of the body here on Thursday.

Pakistan will take part in athletics, swimming, boxing, hockey, squash, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling,he said, adding that, We have fair chance to win medals in tennis, weightlifting, wrestling and hockey.

He said tennis star Aisam ul Haq has confirmed his participation in the Games and his presence will be a big inspiration for Pakistan as he is a medal prospect.

We are in touch with sports ministry to start preparations for the Games as Pakistan will also be taking part in Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, Asian Games in China and Asian Beach Games in Muscat in 2010, he asserted.

The POA Chief was of the view that preparations should start as soon as possible and participation in three elite Asian events is a challenging task and requires adequate training and grooming of players in various disciplines.

He said that the Pakistan contingent for Youth Olympics to be held from August 20, Asian Games from November 12-27 and Asian Beach Games from December 8-18 will be finalised in consultation with the Pakistan Sports Board.