KARACHI: Pakistani sprinter Sahib-e-Asra is gearing up for the upcoming Asian Games 2023 which are scheduled to be held in China in September-October.
Asra wants to perform well in the Games as she doesn't want to waste the opportunity to bring a medal for her country.
Talking to Geo News, the sprinter revealed her goal for the Games and stated that she wants to run for a medal.
"The goal is not just to beat my personal best, but to reach the final," she said. "I am participating in the 400m race in the Asian Games.
"My personal best in the 400m race is 54.58 seconds.
"No female athlete from Pakistan has ever reached the Asian Games track and field finals, my goal is to reach the final and bring a medal to my country."
Asra also complained that the training camp for the Games was set up very late as compared to other countries.
"In other countries, athletes train all year while we only got to train one month because the camp was set up very late.
"If we have to compete with the world, then it is important for us to have the required equipment, environment and training.
"Although, despite limited resources, the Pakistani athletes have prepared well," she concluded.
It must be noted that in the recently concluded National Games, Lyallpur-born Asra won two gold medals (4×100m relay & 4×400m relay) while representing the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). She also bagged a silver medal in the 400m.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
