Muhammad Abbas of Gilgit – Baltistan to represent Pakistan in Vancouver 2010
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani skier Mohammad Abbas, a native of Naltar valley in Gilgit – Baltistan, became the first man in the country’s history to qualify for the the Winter Olympics, to be held from Feb 12 in Vancouver, Canada.
A ceremony was arranged at the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad to honour Abbas.
Canadian High Commissioner Randolph Mank, office-bearers of the ski federation, Abbas, politicians and diplomats attended the ceremony in large number.
Abbas was part of a group of eight Pakistani skiers that undertook a nine-week advanced training-cum-competition tour of Europe early last year in a bid to earn points and qualification for the Winter Olympics. A skier automatically qualifies for the Winter Olympics if he has an average of 120 Federation de International Skiing points, something which was expected of at least half the team but only Abbas could manage.
Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP), led by its President Air Marshal Shahid Lateef, had sponsored the trip and had in fact been providing financial, logistical and coaching support to the selected skiers for the past couple of years.
Abbas and almost all members of the team belong to Gilgit – Baltistan which is the home to the country’s top ski resort at Nalter, near Gilgit.
Great job. Mr M Abbas.
It is a state of great honour for Gilgit Baltistan to represent Pakistan internationally. Strive for the top and be honest with your job. I would like to pay regards and wishs for further SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS. Best of luck….
This is very unfortunate for the pioneers of SKI ferederation who are ignored by the SKI federation of Pakistan. I want worth mentioning that the SKIING in Pakistan was introduced by the sons of GILGIT Baltistan Group Captian Shah Khan and Air Commodore Naunihal Shah..Both were remained the base commander of Kalabagh in Airforce and made Ski slopes at Naltar and Malamjaba . Mhummad abbass from GB is the output due to struggle of sons of GB.
Good Job, My Best Wishes for Mr.Abbas for his olympic tour to Canada. Lets hope for the best for the coming tour,As a son of GB we Pray that You can represent Pakistan at large,Even We the son of GB without any financial support and without any proper facility given by government of Pakistan,Still You are making it to the Internatonal level Thats a big acheavement in Your personal profession,Keep it up. We are proud of You.
Long Live Gilgit ,Baltistan.
Hope One Day our Pakistan will Recognized Gilgit and Baltistan
How long can someone keep us the youth in the Dark.
Pakistan, Payeenda Abad
Well Wisher of GB
That is a great news. Welcome Mr. Abbas and wish you all the best for a greater success during the olympics.
Looking forward to see you!!!!
Sultan
Victoria
Congratulations Man!!
Its really an honor for the whole GB.
great and long awaited news at last.
we pray for your excellent performance.
hope you will make pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan proud. wish u all the best
Mubarak to Mr M Abbas just to make it to the Olympics, we wish you all the best and go for Gold.
Good luck
Iahtiaq Ali
Congratulations, Abbas this is a great opportunity for you represent GB and Pakistan. I wish you all the best in this mega world wide competition.
Pakistan Zinda Baad
Congratulation Abbas for crossing the mile stone indeed it is big achivement you are representing GB and our beloved country international olympic we wish you will return back from canada with gold medol.
we wish you a successful career
Ali Masud
Well his time was better than India’s. I guess he should be happy about that!