Rubab set for Athens showing

Swimmer Rubab Raza, all of 13 years, is set to become the first-ever Pakistan woman to represent her country at the Olympic level when she takes part in the Athens Games this August.

Swimming for women was banned under the regime of the late General Zia-ul Haq through the 1980s, with even international women's swimming competitions banned for television coverage.

However, since the death of Zia in 1988, that restriction has been greatly eased. Interestingly, Pakistani women swimmers, despite lack of coaching, have out-performed their male counterparts at the Asian level, and young Rubab is among the most promising crop.

Often hard-pressed to maintain that fine balance between her commitments in school and the busy practice schedule that her sport demands, it's Rubab's never-say-die attitude that has helped keep her ticking. And so far as coaching is concerned, her parents provide her with all the support she needs.

Rubab won two silver medals and one bronze at the ninth South Asian Federation Games held in Islamabad in March this year.

She has also taken part in championships in India and Spain and hopes to win a gold medal at the senior level.

Rubab has won a wild card entry for the 2004 Olympics owing to her performances in swimming championships around the world in recent times.

"I am very happy about my achievements and consider it a great honour," said Rubab, who gets a scholarship of around $30 per month from the Pakistani Swimming Federation. However, her expenses are far more than what she gets. Most of the expenses have to be met by her parents, who are just as determined to see her succeed.

"I have three hours of training in the morning and another three in the afternoon. The rest of the time is spent in weight training and other related exercises," she says.

Rubab firmly believes that better facilities and top-class coaching will help brighten her prospects. However, she laments the fact that the current facilities are just not enough.