Olympian Sadaf selected for course in Hungary

ISLAMABAD: Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui has been selected for the International Coaching Course in General Conditioning starting in the first week of October at the Hungarian University of Sport Sciences, Hungary.

The course is part of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) efforts to impart latest training to improve overall standard of the coaches and officials in developing countries. Sadaf met with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Vice President Begum Ishrat Ashraf and Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood to share her future plans in the field of women’s sports development and management.

Ishrat during her interaction with Sadaf said that the international coaching and management course will provide a platform to Sadaf to improve her skills. “This course is very important as it would help educate our female coaches in the longer run. The course provides coaches a systematic way to improve their knowledge and skills in the theoretical, technical and practical aspects of coaching,” she said.

Sadaf represented Pakistan in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing as well as in Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, SAF Games and other international sports events. She also represented Army in many national events and carried out the national duty to find and groom fresh talent in the field of athletics.

“It is an honour for me to represent my country and my mother’s department -- Pakistan Army. I respect the Olympic values of dedication, teamwork and passion,” said Sadaf, adding that this experience will allow her to attain key skills and qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and a deep commitment for the development of women’s sports in Pakistan.

“As a passionate advocate for women’s participation in sports, I am determined to inspire next generation of female athletes in Pakistan,” she added. “My participation in the IOC Program will not only help improve my skills and experience, it will also serve as opportunity to support the IOC in its commitment to women’s empowerment in sports on a global scale.”