4 best swimmers from camp will be trained in England: Nick Gillingham

Lahore : The 4-day Coaches and Swimmers camp started under the auspices of Sports Board Punjab at State of the Art Punjab International Swimming Complex on Monday, July 31, 2017.

On the first day, international swimming coach Nick Gillingham and Leady Jo imparted training to 40 local coaches. In their lecture, they provided necessary awareness to local coaches about the modern changes in the swimming techniques. Mr Gillingham said it’s imperative for swimming coaches to be aware of modern techniques and other changes in the field of swimming. “A coach must be aware of flaws of a swimmer and he should make every possible effort to remove these faults as early as possible. A qualified coach should also put his attention to the fitness of his swimmers,” he elaborated.

Sports Board Punjab, after the 2-day trials, picked up 125 boys and 35 girls in U-12, U-14 and U-16 age group categories for camp training. The high-profile camp will proceed till August 3, 2017 at State of the Art Punjab International Swimming Complex.

International British swimming coach Nick Gillingham has said that four outstanding swimmers from the ongoing 4-day Coaches and Swimmers camp will be picked for international training in England. “Sports Board Punjab has constructed international standard swimming pool which is highly appreciable, he expressed these views on Monday at a press conference at National Hockey Stadium. Sports Board Punjab arranged the press conference on the inaugural day of 4-day Coaches and Swimmers camp being organized at State of the Art Punjab International Swimming Complex at Nishtar Park Sports Complex.

International British swimming coach Leady Jo, Benjamin Gillingham, Director General Sports Punjab Zulfiqar Ahmed Ghumman, Director Admin Javed Rashid Chauhan, Director Sports Anees Sheikh and Dr Imtiaz were also present on this occasion.

Mr Gillingham said after the 4-day camp, the performance of all the swimmers will be analysed and four best swimmers will be sent to Britain for international training under a scholarship programme. “After gaining training in England, the Pakistan swimmers will be able to participate in international swimming events,” he vowed. “The international standard swimming pool in Nishtar Park Sports Complex is equipped with all world class facilities”.

He said Pakistan produced several world class athletes in the sports field. “I’m quite satisfied to see plenty of swimming talent in Pakistan. The 4-day Coaches and Swimmers camp will be of great significance for the future of swimming in Pakistan. Pakistan swimmers can offer international standard performances in world swimming events if properly trained and groomed,” he added.

DG SBP Zulfiqar Ahmed Ghumman, in his address said the international training from British coaches is a first step towards bright future of swimming in Pakistan. “In the high-profile cam we will prepare 40 swimmers for the participation in international swimming competitions,” he added. “After coaches training on the first day, the young swimmers will be trained on the remaining three days. Our swimming pool is laced with facilities like under-water cameras and video analysis etc”.

Director Sports Anees Sheikh informed that 160 boys and girls of U-12, U-14 and U-16 age group categories and 40 coaches are being trained in the 4-day camp.