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[Blwe_torch]

Up The Rapids 

G. RAJARAMAN


Kiran Khan

 
In Pakistan, two minority groups of slightly different kinds catch the eye. The first is the minuscule, highly respected and socially visible Parsi community. The other, curiously linked to the first by a Parsi woman's pioneering role, is a group of around 30 women swimmers competing at the national level.

Some years ago, Parsi Shaan Khandawala was one of the first women here to publicly dive into a pool, and to encourage others to do the same. Trinidad-born Veena Masud, married into a Karachi family, followed suit, pursuing the cause of competitive swimming for Pakistani women with missionary zeal. Veena, secretary of Pakistan's Women's Swimming Federation, says with some pride that nearly 300 girls now turn up for the Sindh provincial competitions. Unlike the Parsis, whose numbers are declining, the number of national-level women swimmers is growing. And in the face of many hurdles, not least among them being the restricted access to pools and a shortage of women coaches. However, they are not short in determination or family support.

 

Rubab Raza

Pakistan's best female swimmers, Kiran Khan and Rubab Raza, are both 15-year-olds living in Lahore. Kiran is the country's acknowledged best all-round swimmer while Rubab has emerged as the best sprinter. Four years ago in Manchester, Kiran along with Sana Wahid became the first female Pakistani swimmers to compete at the Commonwealth Games. Led by Kiran and Rubab, Pakistan's women swimmers won 18 medals at the last saf Games in Islamabad and 16 at the recent Islamic Games in Teheran. Rubab even got a wild card for the 2004 Olympics.

Both girls are well aware that they are breaking the mould as far as social conventions are concerned. "There are raised eyebrows whenever I tell people I am a professional swimmer," says Rubab, currently busy preparing for her half-yearly exams. "But I tell them swimming is the best sport for girls in Pakistan since we do not even expose our legs. We wear full bodysuits and in any case no men—not even our fathers—are allowed at our competitions in Pakistan. The Athens Olympics was an eye-opener...it's motivated me."

The girls' parents have encouraged them to the hilt, even in the face of social pressures—and not just from the maulvis but also from family elders. Kiran's father, WAPDA coach Khalid Khan, is unfazed. He's set up a gym at his home for his four children, all of them swimmers, with the eldest Sikander (18) leading the way as Pakistan's top male swimmer. Khalid, who also supervises his children's training at indoor pools and clubs, says this is just the beginning of a quiet revolution.

Rubab's parents, Syed Sibtain Raza and Dr Lubna Raza, both retired army majors, are also believers. "Our children have dreams and we must support them," says Sibtain Raza. "In some ways, we are waging a jehad against the jehadis."

Veena, though, must get credit for smoothening the way. "It was a bit easier for me than perhaps for a Pakistani woman," she told Outlook. "I saw Ian Thorpe swim in a body suit and thought it was an interesting possibility for Pakistan women. The government was supportive, and we were able to send our first swimmers for international competitions in 2002."

Veena is always on the look-out for young talent. Like Alena Zuberi, 10, from Karachi. Masur convinced Alena's mother, Shazia Abid Zuberi, that her daughter could be a top swimmer. "I'll be there for Alena as long as she enjoys swimming," says Shazia. With more like her, Pakistan's women may not be swimming against the tide much longer.

http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060220&fname=Pak+Swimming+%28F%29&sid=1