KARACHI: In a landmark achievement for Pakistan sailing, two female sailors have completed the first stage towards becoming international sailing judges, marking a first for Pakistani women in the sport.
Zoya Asad Ali and Mehnaz Jamil recently attended the World Sailing International Seminar in Thailand, where both participants successfully passed the certification examination with impressive scores, officials said.
The accomplishment marks the first time Pakistani women have completed the judges’ course in sailing, a significant milestone for the country’s representation in international maritime sports officiating.
Both sailors belong to the Pakistan Air Force Yacht Club and are now required to officiate at three international sailing events within the next four years as part of the qualification process.
Their performances in those competitions will determine whether they are granted the status of international sailing judges.
Zoya Asad Ali also carries a family legacy in the sport, being the granddaughter of Captain Arshad, an internationally recognised race official who remains one of Pakistan’s prominent names in sailing administration.
Pakistan has had limited representation in international sailing officiating. In the 1980s, the late Captain Zakaullah Chaudhry and Admiral (retd) Khalid Mahmood Akhtar served as international sailing judges.
Later, in 1996, Captain Arshad qualified as an international judge and obtained certification before eventually serving as an international race officer.
