Bimonthly Think In                                                                            15 Nov-30 Nov 2011

 Exclusive Interview of National Rock Climber

 |Syed Zaki Kazmi|

It starts years back when I got admission NUST, where we use to find every other way to have fun. My friends urged me on a bet to climb a building from back side to the floor. That went well and started another turn in my life because later the same friends introduced me to the club and so life too to this level that one day I become a National Player of Pakistan.

The feeling of representing your nation somewhere outside you country is a great feeling, which only a person in Green Coat overwhelms with. This summer when I was in Gilgit, I got a phone call from Alpine Club of Pakistan and informed that I have been put on the list for National Sports climbing team. I first thought, “Is that it? Is this what we call the dream comes true. What is more than just being on the list for National Team’s selection list?” I was not sure of my selection as because when you come in competition you always have to see both ways. However I had faith in myself and much more on God, who has bestowed upon me great success in such a little time. At last I was called to Islamabad for further official works.

This was the nascent Sports climbing team of Pakistan ever created and it was going to participate in competitions in China. This whole thing was so fast that we even didn’t much training time but prepared well to our caliber. As we already knew we had a big storm of competitors ahead and we had a big storm of expectations in us back in the country. Being the first and also getting first exposure internationally we had a load of pressure.

I had been all the way calm and relaxed because I was sure I would do my best and try till my last calorie of energy is lost. We arrived in Beijing, travelled to Changzhi where the World Sports Climbing Festival was held. Right after arriving there we went to the stadium where we were welcomed very heartily. I was amazed to see the crowd cheering and welcoming the teams from different countries. During our visit we had a good company of Athletes from about 20 different countries. We didn’t have a good result in the competitions so there is nothing to boast about. But the experience and learning are more than a getting just a title.

People meet and leave and never see but there memories and the deeds you learn from and experience with them remains with you all the way down to the grave. China has always been a friendly country but we have always seen it from our country but when you enter in to it you see the really brotherly feeling they have for us and our country. I want to mention many official dinners when any official comes to the Pakistani Team table you use to through a toast saying,” Pakistan-China: Brothers”. Like officials Chinese people never disappointed and warmly welcomed and showed friendly behavior. I met with various students there studying English in their universities.

What learnt from China trip is lot more to explain in some words but would say that I had learnt a lot of things which could guide me in my career. I would like to mention the most important aspects of Chinese people. They are very welcoming and very friendly so that you never expect from them for any help. They are a great deal learning about commitment and punctuality to one’s work. Chinese are a great people to learn from because they have developed in last 30 years and we are just close to them. Their commitment and honesty to their country remains the ultimate reason of success. 

I would like to mention as an athlete I would see the healthy activities of people which never affect their career negatively rather they have a greatly positive effect. Activities like outdoor sports are greatly important for a healthy student if he wants to feel alive. I am in final year of my studies and hopefully done with this by next few months but I have never given up at anyone these professions. I would say Engineer and Climbing are very important parts of my life. One is career and one is passion. Now it’s up to you to decide your passion and your career. Never gave up at any of these because if there is one path that you think you have to take to be in the line and if you choose that one path that doesn’t mean you have to abandon all the other ones. 

[The End]

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