Mehboob vows to win medal for Pakistan in Rio Olympics

Newly-crowned national 400m flat and hurdle champion Mehboob Ali will represent Pakistan in the Rio Olympics 2016, after the Athletic Federation of Pakistan (AFP) decided to award him universality place (invitation wildcard entry).

Talking to The Nation, Mehboob, who gave sensational performances in the National Athletics Championship in Quetta this year, said: “It is like dream come true but I will miss my brother Noukar Hussain, who despite Pakistan’s top runner for the last several years, will miss the historic occasion due to injury.

It could have been double delight for our family, had Noukar not ruled out due to injury.

It puts extra responsibility on my shoulders, as firstly, I have to perform out of my skin for country and secondly, I want to win medal for my injured brother.

”

Mehboob said the recently-concluded national athletics championship was one of the best of his life, where he won gold medal in 400m hurdles and 400m flat and also set new national record during the process.

“I have toured India, Iran and Qatar and won two bronze medals for Pakistan in 400m hurdles and 400m relay, while I got injured in Qatar and could not compete.

Iran was also great experience for me as although I finished fifth, yet I managed to improve my time in tough conditions.

“We don’t have a single indoor stadium in Pakistan and it is almost impossible to even compete in the indoor stadiums while winning the event is a far cry.

I have never got opportunity to train abroad, which is main reason behind Pakistanis lack behind when it comes to compete among the best in the business.

I can assure, if provided with international training abroad or even a top class coach is hired by the AFP for Pakistani athletes, we can easily win medals for our country,” he added.

Mehboob said he was training back home in Kasoor at roads, as he didn’t have any ground where he could train and now for the last couple of days, he was here at Army Stadium training alongside his coach M Bilal, who is behind all his achievements.

“I have been working hard and eager to deliver at international level.

I have heard coach Bilal will accompany me in training camp, but I didn’t get any official confirmation yet.

We are already late and any further delay can prove harmful for our preparations.

I hope the PSB will grant special funds to the AFP so that the federation may invite top coaches for training or send athletes abroad for at least one-month training, as it will help the players a lot in achieving feats for the country.

”

He requested AFP president Major General (R) M AKram Sahi to send him abroad for training at either Jamaica, USA, Russia or even at China so that he might improve his skills and compete well against international athletes.

“I hope the PSB will at least send us to Rio 10 to 15 days prior to start of the event to help us adjust to the conditions and train at the venues to stand realistic chances of doing well.

“I will do my level best to improve my timings and also win laurels for the country.

I will participate in 400m flat in the Rio Olympics.

Asghar Gill is a very senior and highly respectable coach and his services will be available for us during the training camp at the PSB Islamabad, which will be a great help to both me and Najma Parveen, while I also expect a the coach will accompany us at Rio, which is very important for us, as coach keeps a close eye and inform us about our mistakes,” Mehboob concluded.

(Source: The Nation)