ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: Eight Pakistani skiers will vie for berth at the 2010 Winter Olympics after appearing in 15 international events.

The event will take place in Vancouver, Canada.

The Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) president, Air Marshal Shahid Latif told reporters here on Saturday that the federation had prepared a strategy to ensure that their athletes would qualify and participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Pakistan’s top skier is Abbas Gujjar, who is also the national champion, with 137 points.

Pakistan needs 120 points for an individual player to qualify for the event.

“Our players will participate in 15 international events which hopefully will give us the points needed to qualify,” he said.

The SFP has hired services of an Austrian coach and training manager Gerhard Wegmair who would also train players and coaches for the international activities.

The Air Marshal said: “The Austrian coach is of great help for us and we are hopeful of qualifying for the mega event.”

To prepare and encourage young talent, Shahid added, “Our young skiers will participate in the 18th Asian Alpine Ski Championship scheduled to be held in Lebanon from Feb 14.”

About the upcoming events he informed that children ski championship and ladies competitions by the name of Sadia Khan Ski Cup would be held from Jan 20 to 31.

In the men’s category, he said, Shah Khan Ski Cup, Chairman JCSC Ski Championship and 17th National Ski Championship would be held at Naltar from Feb 8 to 15.

During these championships, 12 teams and 100 skiers from across the country contest.

When asked about their funds, he said the SFP managed its financial affairs with the cooperation of private sector and Pakistan Air Force.