Pakistan eyes medals at Commonwealth Youth Games

Pakistani sports officials are optimistic about reaching the victory stand in the multiple sports competitions during the fifth Commonwealth Youth Games commencing in Samoa on Saturday.

Pakistani contingent's manager Muhammad Rasheed on Friday told Xinhua that players are well prepared and fully fit to give their best performance in the event.

"We have selected the best players for only four disciplines and we hope that we shall succeed in grabbing some medals in the competition," said Rasheed.

Earlier on Thursday, a 13-member Pakistani contingent left from Islamabad to participate in the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held from September 5 to 11 in Samoa, a small and tropical island nation in the central pacific.

Pakistani contingent will participate in the disciplines of boxing, squash, tennis and weightlifting. The contingent includes two boxers, two squash players, two female tennis players and three weightlifters along with officials and supporting staff.

At least 5,000 young athletes aged between 14 and 18 will represent their countries and compete for 107 gold medals at stake in nine sports disciplines.

Pakistani continent failed to win any medal in the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.