Berlin
Special athletes of Pakistan will start their journey on June 18 to vie for the medals in the 16th Special Olympic World Games here.
In connection with the preparations for which, the Pak squad had training sessions on Saturday. In the field hockey mixed event of the World Games, the Pakistan team will play its first match against Belgium and the second match against the Netherlands.
In the Swimming event of 25M-50M freestyle event, Hassan Patel of the national team, while Amina Momin will compete in the 25m freestyle and 50m backstroke, whereas Fatima Ali in the 25m freestyle and backstroke will be seen in action. On June 19, Pakistan’s women’s and men’s teams will participate in the 5*5 basketball event. Simran Mahesh, MahNoor, Farhan Aslam and Jamil ur Rahman will represent the national team in the single, double and team events of Bocci from June 20.
Starting from June 20 are the 50 meters, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3000 meters races of the athletics events, and field events of the long jump, standing long jump, shot put and javelin competitions, in which our national athletes will feature.
The draws for the futsal event will be held on Monday, besides table tennis, powerlifting, badminton, cycling and tennis competitions will be held on June 20 and 21.
Pakistan’s presence in Special Olympics World Games is a happy moment for the nation: Dr. Mohammad Faisal
Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Faisal hosted a welcome reception at the Pakistan House, Berlin, for the Pakistani squad of Special Olympics World Games 2023. The delegation, comprising 54 male and 33 female athletes, alongside their coaches and support officials, was given a heart warming welcome by the officers and staff of the Embassy. Prominent members of the community were also invited to encourage the young privileged athletes aspiring to bag success in the event.
Pakistani differently abled athletes are participating in 11 different sports, including athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, cycling, futsal, hockey, power lifting, swimming, tennis and table tennis.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, noted that “I feel very proud to see you all with shining eyes, hopeful hearts and firm determination to represent Pakistan.”
He further added that, “I would also want to congratulate the team management, Ms. Ronak Lakhani, Ms. Yasmin Hyder and all the coaches and affiliated personnel who enabled our privileged guests reach this point with adequate training and the aim to raise the flag high.”
He said that this indeed was a very happy moment for the nation, to see its privileged children participate in an international event and reiterated that the Embassy would render every possible support to the Special Olympics Team during their stay in Berlin.
Ms. Ronak Lakhani, Chairperson Special Olympics Pakistan, who is leading the delegation, thanked the Ambassador and the Embassy for their utmost support and hoped that the team will perform well in the event, which is scheduled to officially kick off on 17th and continue till 25th of June, 2023.
The Embassy also arranged music performances, alongside refreshments, for the guests, which the participants fondly enjoyed.
