KARACHI: Rejuvenated Russia defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the final to win top honours in the J80 keel boat match racing of the 49th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Sailing Championship which concluded at the DHA Marina Club on Tuesday.
Both the nations were tied 1-1 after two races of the final were sailed on Monday evening.
However, when the competition resumed on the concluding day, the Russians sailed to victory in the remaining two races to land the gold. The victorious team comprised Cdr. Maxim Semerkhanov, Lt. Denis Grivanov, Warrant Officer Pavel Sozykin and Warrant Officer Poris Kucherenko.
Hosts Pakistan earned consolation by grabbing the silver, their first finish on the victory podium in the CISM sailing history. Pakistan team includes CPO/PTI Najeebullah, CPO/PTI Qasim Abbas, CPO/PTI Khalid Hussain, PO/PTI Rehmanullah Khan and LPT Tariq Ali.
Norway had already secured the bronze by getting the better of Ukraine 2-1 in the playoff the other day.
Pakistan owes its victory to the two coaches — Russell who groomed the sailors in boat handing in the first part and Bill O’Hara in rules and tactics in the second part.
The Fair Play trophy went to Ukraine.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah awarded the gold, silver and bronze medals to the three teams at the impressive closing ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the naval chief, who is himself a veteran sailor and two-time former Asian Games gold medallist in Enterprise class with another naval officer Munir Sadiq, congratulated the winners and all the participating countries for displaying exemplary skills and making the event a success.
Zakaullah disclosed that he had featured in the CISM sailing in 1988 abroad and pentathlon at home.
Acknowledging the feat of famous hotelier Byram D Avari, he recalled that it was he (Byram) who did the nation proud by winning country’s first-ever sailing gold in the Asian Games at Bangkok in 1978 together with the then Sub/Lt Munir Sadiq.
He added that Byram went on to retain the title at Delhi Asiad in 1982 but this time pairing with his wife Goshpi.
He hoped that the young Pakistani sailors would follow the legacy of their elders of the yesteryears.
Earlier, Col Vethoven from Belgium, official CISM representative, and the Principal Race Officer retired Capt A. R. Arshad also spoke.
Col Vethoven presented CISM Order of Merit to Admiral Zakaullah, Rear Admiral Syed Bashir Ahmed, Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmed, Cdre Ali Abbas, Cdre Adnan Ahmed and retired Capt Arshad.
National anthem of Russia and Pakistan were played and flags were lowered as the chief guest declared the championship closed.
Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmed, Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini,Byram D. Avari, diplomats, senior officers of armed forces were among others who were present on the occasion.
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