The Olympic Games 2016 has officially kicked off in Rio last night. The opening ceremony was a spectacular show as the best athletes will be competing on a global platform for respective titles starting today. The world has been waiting anxiously for these games because of a lot of pre-event controversy around them and because, well, sports.
Here’s Team Pakistan at the Opening Ceremony to get you excited:
Pakistan's delegation at #Rio2016! #OpeningCeremony #Olympics #OlympicGames #Gold #Silver #Bronze #Pak #Pak #Pak pic.twitter.com/8lh29GnWD0
— M.Waseem Hasan (@waseemhasan07) August 6, 2016
This year is particularly exciting for Minhal Sohail, the 21 year old who has qualified for the 10 Metre Air Rifle Category.
Minhal hails from Karachi and began her sporting career four years ago. She has been given a wildcard entry by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the games. Previously, she has competed internationally in multiple Asian tournaments and championships. This, however, will be her first experience at such a massive sporting event.
Minhal’s story was brought to light for the world to admire, by SOC films, run by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy.
“Being the first Pakistani woman to qualify for the Olympics (in this category), it’s a huge honor”, she is seen stating on-screen.
[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/socfilms/videos/1416393031710457/” width=”500″ height=”400″ onlyvideo=”1″]
“I push myself a lot. I think I can achieve a lot, if I keep my mind focused.”
Being the daughter of a Naval officer, Minhal had the rare opportunity to train under the Pakistan Navy which makes her a very disciplined and focused shooter.
“I hope other Pakistani girls will be inspired by me and follow my footsteps.”
Seven participants will be representing Pakistan at the Rio Games, none of the national teams qualified on the more popular sports categories like hockey and squash. Wildcard entries are based on quota and count as a pass for every country at the games. However, they stand no chance of winning medals. Regardless, the players are determined to still give it their best at the Olympic games.
Minhal will be competing live at 3:30 pm PST TODAY. Don’t forget to watch and extend your support.
Go, Minhal. Go Team Pakistan.
Cover Image via: Dawn.com