KARACHI: Pakistan’s participation in the second Youth Olympics in Chinese city of Nanjing was a grand experience and valuable exposure for junior athletes, chef de mission Razi Ahmed Khan said on Monday.

“Such events are the ultimate thing for the juniors and taking part in Youth Olympics has been such a great exposure and experience for our players and it will greatly benefit in building their future careers,” he said on return from China.

An 18-member Pakistan contingent comprising hockey teams, swimmers, a lone shooter and weightlifters featured in the 203-nation competition in Nanjing. “If these youngsters continue to work hard and maintain their practice and motivation, they are capable of excelling in international arena,” said Razi.

He further said Pakistan hockey team did well by reaching quarterfinals while a promising weightlifter Abdul Rehman finished eighth in his weight category. “It was a good achievement by Rehman and he could prove an asset if he continued to work hard,” he said.

Razi, who is also the executive vice-president of the Rifle Association of Pakistan, said he was surprised with the extraordinary performances of the youth from across the world at the global event.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd , 2014