ISLAMABAD: A five-member Pakistan squad has left for China to feature in the Beijing 2020 Winter Olympics to be held on February 4.
The party comprises one athlete and four officials, said Secretary, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Muhammad Khalid Mahmood.
Mahmood mentioned that the Pakistan Contingent has completed all the Covid-19 requirements before travelling to Beijing as per instructions of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China as well as the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
The squad includes Syed Noman Ali, Chef de Mission, Nadeem Ajmal Khan, Team Leader and Official, Muhammad Karim, Athlete Muhammad Qamar Mirza, Covid Liaison Officer and Coach, Agha Hunain Abbas Khan, Olympic Attache, (From the Embassy of Pakistan in China).
“POA has made the accreditation and travel arrangements of the contingent,” Mahmood maintained adding that Muhammad Karim, Alpine Skiing Athlete will compete in the Slalom event on 16 February.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to be among the world leaders to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics as he looks to “express solidarity” with China.
Ski player excited about Beijing Olympics
Pakistani ski player Muhammad Karim voiced on his enthusiasm and excitement about his upcoming participation in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics scheduled from February 4 to 20.
“I’m very excited and fully prepared to participate in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. I heard that they used the very latest technologies on ski slopes and the world’s best sports facilities there. I can’t wait to see all these things,” the Pakistani giant slalom skier Muhammad Karim told media.
Muhammad Karim, the only skier from Pakistan who is form Naltar, a village in Gilgit-Baltistan, said participating in the Winter Olympics is a great chance to put Pakistan on the map of international sports.
“I am confident to give my best performance in Beijing and win the hearts of the Pakistani people,” he added.
Muhammad Karim is the only Pakistani skier to have participated in two Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“I want to congratulate China on holding Olympics despite the difficult situation of COVID-19 and the good measures been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I wish a great success of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics,” he remarked.
Karim will take to the slopes on 16th February at the China National Alpine Skiing Center, Yanging District, Beijing.
“For the last three years, I have been preparing for these Olympics and my biggest dream is to participate in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and give historical performance,” Karim mentioned.
It is worth mentioning that the 26-year-old Muhammad Karim is a young skier who started skiing at the age of four under the guidance of his father and elder brother, despite the lack of facilities in this sport.
Pakistan’s delegation will reach Beijing on 2 February; Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Dr. Fahmida Mirza will lead the Pakistani delegation.
