Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Bags 9 gold medals in All Pakistan Intervarsity 8th Women’s Rowing Championship
Spectacle Team
Sports play a very important role in the holistic development of an individual. Today, males and females take part in sports and are equally making it a career. Current statistics indicate that women constitute 40% of the global sports stars. At the UOL level, female students are breaking all the barriers to achieving their sports dreams. Ms. Kareema Ikram (7th Semester, BS Sports Sciences) set a new record after winning 9 gold medals in All Pakistan Intervarsity 8th Women’s Rowing Championship 2021-22 hosted at UOL under the umbrella of HEC and PM’s Special Initiative Kamyab Jawan Program along with Lahore Canal Boating Club (LCBC). In a conversation with The Spectacle, she shared the tidbits of her triumph.
Spectacle: Briefly introduce yourself
Kareema Ikram: My name is Kareema Ikram and I am from Gilgit-Baltistan. I am pursuing BS in Sports Science from the University of Lahore and am presently in my 7th Semester.
Spectacle: Tell us about your passion for Rowing
Kareema Ikram: Rowing is my passion. I love this sport because Rowing gets you outdoors and connected with nature! In an age of non-stop screen time, we could all use a little more sunlight and time outdoors.
Spectacle: Has your home area Gilgit-Baltistan played any part in your success?
Kareema Ikram: I have a very good experience, as everyone in Gilgit especially Hunza supported me a lot. Every year they organize winter games in which the majority of the girls take part. Girls take a special interest in ice hockey, cricket, and football. My family has always supported me. There are a few people in Gilgit who still harbour the conservative school of thought about locking out females in sports ventures.
Spectacle: What skills do you need to be a rower?
Kareema Ikram: Yes, one needs to be fit enough and develop muscles to best support the game, and good technical skills (grip, good posture, blade control, timing, balance, rhythm and efficiency, power application) will help rowers perform the skills with greater competence and confidence.
Spectacle: How has UOL contributed towards your success?
Kareema Ikram: The University of Lahore has facilitated me a lot by giving me a full scholarship. The University also appointed us a well experienced coach. Good quality equipment, a healthy diet, and club facilities for water rowing are always availed to us unlike other private universities in Pakistan.
Spectacle: Share your experience at the All Pakistan Intervarsity 8th Women’s Rowing Championship 2021-22?
Kareema Ikram: The event was good, many talented players and teams participated in it. Special credit goes out to my team for performing at an exceptional level with good coordination. We also won the overall Gold and bagged 1st position, our coach was very happy and seeing the happiness and contentment on his face made me very happy.
Spectacle: Share your feelings about the record of achieving 9 gold medals
Kareema Ikram: First of all, I am thankful to Allah, the Almighty for helping me in achieving this. Then, the efforts made by my coach plus the determination I had were key factors for winning the 9 Gold medals in Rowing.
Spectacle: What are your future ambitions?
Kareema Ikram: I want to work hard and join the department for the ultimate purpose of representing Pakistan in the World International Olympic games and winning a medal for my country.
Spectacle: Do we have enough talent in this sport that if nourished, could bring Olympic gold medals?
Kareema Ikram: Yes, definitely, last year one of our team members participated in the International Olympic Games. If proper training and facilities are provided, we can also represent Pakistan in this sport at the global level.
The Spectacle: What do you think about the scope of rowing in Pakistan?
Kareema Ikram: Rowing grows in popularity in Pakistan and, having already established itself in some of the country’s premier schools; it is now producing players capable of competing at international events.
Spectacle: Who do you wish to thank for your accomplishment?
Kareema Ikram: I would like to thank my parents, my family, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (Rector, UOL), Mrs. Farzana Raoof (Director, Sports and Culture), and special appreciation to my coach who provided the technical training and guidance required to win. His dedication toward the team has shown the results as UOL won the overall Gold and 1st position in the Championship, which in itself is an achievement.
The Spectacle: Any Message to young girls who want to adopt Rowing as professional sport?
Kareema Ikram: Sports other than cricket in this country unfortunately are not valued, much of the talent in Pakistan is going to waste because of the unavailability of sporting facilities and proper training. Adding financial issues just puts more pressure on anyone who thinks of pursuing a career in Sporting field. The road is bumpy and only a few around us play a supporting role. But I would like to address young girls who want to come into Water Rowing sports or any for that matter; you are going to face a lot of obstacles and hurdles which will hinder your ambitions. Learn to accept criticism and don’t give up. Stay focused and determined so one day you will succeed. Ignore the negative hate around you. You did not come into this world to impress others but just yourself. Girls should take part in all the sports.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk