Five Pak athletes set to compete in Rio

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured five places so far in the Rio Olympics, which get under way from August 5.

Khalid Mehmood, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) secretary, told ‘The News’ that at least five athletes in three different events were to compete in Rio. “We have so far received confirmation of five athletes in three different events. The boxing qualifying round in Baku will be held next week. Success there might augment our contingent,” he said.

The five athletes include shooters Ghulam Mustafa Bashir and Minhal Sohail and judo player Shah Hussain Shah. The judoka has qualified on continental quota after participating in a number of events in the last two years.

Swimmers Haris Bandey and Liana Swan have been given wild card entries.

Athletes Mohammad Ikram and Maria Maratib have also been nominated. The two are awaiting confirmation by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). “I think the final response from the IAAF will be with us in July,” Khalid said.