ISLAMABAD: As the countdown to the Paris Olympics begins, Pakistan’s leading female sprinter, Faiqa Riaz, is facing a crucial dilemma in her professional training. Despite receiving a wild card entry for the mega event, Faiqa faces a pressing dilemma as she trains in Islamabad without her long-standing coach, Fayyaz Ahmad, whom she credits for her remarkable journey in athletics.
In an interview with a local newspaper, Faiqa expressed the urgency of having her coach, Fayyaz, by her side to maintain the training regimen that has propelled her to success over the past two years.
“The clock is ticking, and I need my coach, Sir Fayyaz, immediately to uphold our established training schedule,” Faiqa emphasized.
Under the guidance of Fayyaz Ahmad, Faiqa clinched the title of Pakistan’s fastest woman by triumphing in the 100m race at the National Championships. However, her current training under Seemi Rizvi in Islamabad has raised concerns about potential disruptions to her performance due to the change in coaching dynamics.
Despite these challenges, Faiqa remains resolute in her pursuit of Olympic glory, showcasing promising improvements in her timing, clocking in at 11.70 seconds with a hand-watch. With her sights set on securing a spot in the final heats, Faiqa exudes confidence in her ability to deliver commendable results for her country on the international stage.
However, Faiqa’s journey to the Olympics has been fraught with obstacles. Initially drawn to hockey, she encountered setbacks in her pursuit of representing WAPDA, leading her to pivot towards athletics where she eventually emerged as a national champion.
