Mohammad Karim is the only Pakistani athlete representing his country in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He will be only the second Pakistani ever to compete at the Winter Olympics Games following his friend Mohammad Abbas, who finished 79th in the men’s giant slalom in the 2010 Games in Vancouver.
As a young boy, Mohammad Karim taught himself to speed over the snowy slopes of northern Pakistan on home-made skis. Now he is his country’s sole representative at the Winter Olympics.
Growing up among some of the world’s highest mountains in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Karim caught the skiing bug early — albeit with none of the expensive kit that many Western skiers grow up with.
“I started skiing at the age of four years on wooden skis made by my uncle. Our schools were closed in the winter and skiing was the only way to spend our holidays,” 18-year-old Karim told AFP.
“We made skis ourselves and went skiing on local slopes, then later the Pakistan Air Force organised a competition in which we learnt more and then started this profession.”
Pakistan’s ski federation is run by the air force, which stages annual competitions to recruit new talent, and it was at one of these that Karim was spotted.
Official support is important as Pakistan’s winter sports scene has been badly hit by a campaign of violence from Taliban insurgents.
As Karim’s skills progressed, in 2006 the federation paid for him to go abroad for training.
“I trained in Japan and Austria and competed in various regional and continental events which helped me mature as a skier,” he said.
Exposure to other talented skiers from around the world — instead of the boys of his village — opened Karim’s eyes to the idea of competing at international level.
“When I went to Japan for the first time in 2006 I saw many other skiers and I thought ‘I can do this’,” he said.
“Since then it was my dream to work hard and to participate in a major event.”
Now his sights are set on a top 50 finish in the giant slalom.
“I can’t wait to ski on the Sochi snow,” he said.
“I know it will be tough among the world’s best but I have practised hard and I will do my best to leave my mark at the highest level.”
“I was immensely happy that I was selected, especially because it is such a major event,” he said.
“I did a lot of training and physical exercise and God willing I will come below 50.”
A respectable show in Russia will raise the profile of the sport in Pakistan and, Karim hopes, encourage the government to improve the meagre facilities for skiing.
The Austrian government helped pay for a ski resort in the northwestern Swat valley in the 1980s, but the facilities were torched by the Taliban in 2008.
The air force recently built a chairlift in Karim’s home area and he urged the government to do more.
“The roads are unpaved. If the roads are paved and more people have access to the region then this game (skiing) will flourish,” he said.
Cricket-mad Pakistan may not be glued to its TV screens during Sochi. But Karim’s parents will be praying their son does the country proud.
This event is scheduled to take place from February 7 to 23, in Sochi, Russia. As many as 98 events in 15 winter sport disciplines will be held during the Winter Olympics.
Pakistan Air Force’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) expressed his best wishes for the young skier and hoped that he would perform better in the winter Olympics and bring laurels to the nation.
What a shame. They cannot even find 100 decent players in 180 million people.
I'm ashamed of your comment bro. I know what you mean, but this is Pakistan's 2nd time attending the Winter Olympics and I am very glad and proud of that. Of course we should have more athletes, but the way I see it is that at least we started and hopefully get more of our people involved! One thing I am ashamed of is our Government, which almost came in the way of Muhammed Karim being at the Olympics this year.
Great reply ya Akhi, Mashaa Allah and Jazaak Allahomul Khair.
Some people only see glass half empty. So it is not their problem; it is a manufacturing fault. You cannot do much about it.
Syed Hashmi
My brother where were you at the time of selection? I think you should keep your comments to yourself as representing us with full of negativity doesn't help. Be happy for for the talent we have even in the absence of opportunities.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
What have you done anything about it?
Saad shame on you for such negative comments .Great achievement by this hero Mohammad Karim
instead of praising you are trying to discourage .What you think every country is coming with
100 athletes to compete in SOCHI. I guess talk is cheap
Aap jaa kay compete karlain. 😛
I am writing from USA. Mohammad Karin, son of soil. My some a student of University of Maryland USA, forwarded me your picture. I am extremely proud of you. Whether you win or don't win, we are very proud of you. it is your sole effort to do some thing for the country. I am sure Pakistan Air force will look after you. BTW i am a Pakistan Air Force veteran. I am sure, Air force and Pakistani Govt will reward you and bring you up more. Very Good Luck in your effort. Thank you for doing that.
He is one but he is representing pakistan proud of him no matter what province Sarfaraz raise your standards
Mohammad Karim? Zindabaad
Mohammad Karim? Zindabaad
Mohammad Karim? Zindabaad
You have won my heard. I am a Pakistani Canadian. I love you Karim and my Doa is for you and your a success that may be beyond your own expectations.
One point I would like to make is our Army who does spend a lot of time on those mountains covered with snow all year round. They could start a program to produce skiers which could be part of their regular operation to help better our solder in their maneuverability in those area in case of security needs as well as get better participation in the winter games.
However, Karim has won my heart and my prayers are for him and his family. It came to me as a pleasant surprise when a Russian colleague of mine told me about Pakistan flag being present in the games. I could not express my feelings. Skiing was the first thing that came to my mind though.
May Allah, the Almighty bless Karam especially and us all generally.
Syed. Hashmi
I am proud on you .Today only one mohammad karim from pakistan but tomorrow 100 pakistani
Much respect from India.
Proud Son of Gilgit Baltistan, you make us PROUD bro…. May Allah, the Almighty bless Karam especially and us all generally.
I m pr0ud of you my gilgiti. I realy love your talent and determination. God bless you my bero of s0il. Gilitoo.
u are proud of gilgiti? you shouldbe proud of Pakistani not gilgiti yr and I also proud of your talent and your confidence dude;)
I am feeling very proud on you. you are representing son of beautiful soil. Allah will help you inshaAllah
We are so proud of you M KARIM you made all Pakistanis proud all over the world.
Pakistan zindabad.
Mohammad Karim participation in winter olympics in sotchi a well come news! but what has done criminal english elits to Islamic Republic Of Pakistan?
We r proud of u M. Karim.
May Allah bless you and gives you success
I am so impressed by this. I know that he is not widely recognized in our country even though he should be, so my class is conducting an assembly in my school about him so that people can come to recognize his talent and the service which he is providing to our country and making us proud when our country is factoring through such hard times.
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