Commonwealth Games 2010: For Pakistan, best hopes of medals comes in Tennis and Hockey
Though the Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi have been under severe criticism for the organisers’ inability to provide facilities without problems, many athletes have started to arrive and it seems the event is ready to go
ahead.
With just a few days left, the hype surrounding the games is increasing with every second. Pakistani fans are looking towards the games with the hope that their stars will do the nation proud by winning medals at the tournament
which is being held on the country’s arch-rivals’ land.
It would be some achievement if Pakistani athletes can pull off a miracle in every category of the games. Though that’s an unrealistic shout, Pakistan does have pertinent hopes of achieving medals in tennis and hockey.
Though Pakistan’s sports stars and teams have slumped badly over the past few years, anything can be expected from the people of this nation who always do the unexpected. All the hopes of Pakistan are on the shoulders of the national
hockey team and tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq.
It is a shame that out of the seventeen present categories, Pakistan is only participating in the seven events.
The seven events in which they are competing are boxing, hockey, shooting, squash, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling but fans and those of the respective sports organizations know that chances for success are slim.
Pakistan will be hoping that Aisam can repeat his heroics of Flushing Meadows where he went on to book his place in the finals of the Mixed Doubles and the Men’s Doubles. Though he went on to lose on both occasions, he did make
a mark for himself.
Aisam became a superstar and an instant hit not only in his homeland but worldwide. He should be showered with honours, praise and medals by the government of Pakistan as he has done his country proud by becoming the only Pakistani
to play in a grand slam final.
At the US Open he teamed up with Indian Rohan Bopanna, but at the Commonwealth Games he has been paired with the less talented Aqeel Khan. Team work is very important in doubles tennis and it is arguable whether Aisam and Aqeel
will have enough understand of each others’ game.
On the other hand, hockey has been the opposite. Once the world champions, Pakistan are now regarded as a mediocre team to play against and they have lost their dominance. Though they were the runners up at last games held in 2006
in Melbourne, Pakistan’s fortunes have changed drastically since.
Pakistan's hockey was at all time low with an awful showing at the World Cup. The team finished in last place. Pakistan are placed in a tough group with World Champion Australia, arch rivals India, Malaysia and Scotland in their
group. The call for them to make it to the semifinals would be a daring call, made by a brave and foolish person.
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