ISLAMABAD, Nov 20: Air Marshal Shahid Lateef, President of the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP), asserted on Thursday that they are prepared to participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics, adding that skiers are being trained on scientific lines for the mega event.

Presiding over SFP’s general council meeting here at the Air Headquarters, Vice Chief of Air Staff Lateef, said a detailed programme was discussed in the last three days during technical delegates’ seminar regarding skiers’ selection, their preparation and procurement of the latest equipment for the 2010 extravaganza.

“The SFP is fully geared up to participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics and is utilising every bit of energy in enhancing the technique, stamina and willpower of Pakistani ski athletes,” he said. For this purpose, he added, strenuous training is in place.

In this connection, a comprehensive programme for qualifying Pakistan skiers on scientific lines is being followed. Cardinal points are in focus to meet the criteria for participation in the 2010 Olympics, he said.

Earlier, Air Commodore Musarrat Ali, who is Secretary General SFP, presented a report at the general council meeting the GCM.

“Record numbers of ski championships were held during the last calendar year. These included Children Competition, Saadia Khan Ski Cup, 2nd Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Cup, Inter-base Ski Championship and 16th National Ski Championship,” Musarrat said.

Besides this, he added, a series of ski training camps at the PAF Base, Kalabagh (Nathyagali) and Naltar were held. These championships and camps contributed a lot in enhancing the skills of skiing athletes.

Furthermore, the SFP provided advanced training opportunity to top nine skiers at the British Alpine Race Academy in Austria under the supervision of a Macedonian coach.

After the meeting, all the members witnessed a display of newly acquired latest equipment for skiing. Members of 18 ski associations attended the meeting.—APP