STORY: Pakistani delegation expects high of Hangzhou Asian Games
DATELINE: Sept. 6, 2023
LENGTH: 0:01:58
LOCATION: Islamabad
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): NASRULLAH RANA, Director of Pakistan Sports Board
2. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): FATIMATUZ ZEHRA, Pakistani player in Taekwondo
3. SOUNDBITE 3 (Urdu): AROOJ KIRAN, Pakistani player in Women's 100 meters and 100 m hurdles
4. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): FATIMATUZ ZEHRA, Pakistani taekwondo player
5. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): NASRULLAH RANA, Director of Pakistan Sports Board
6. SOUNDBITE 6 (Urdu): AROOJ KIRAN, Pakistani hurdle athlete
7. SOUNDBITE 7 (English): FATIMATUZ ZEHRA, Pakistani taekwondo player
8. SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese & English): AROOJ KIRAN, Pakistani hurdle athlete
9. SOUNDBITE 9 (English): NASRULLAH RANA, Director of Pakistan Sports Board

STORYLINE:

Pakistani sports officials and players have lauded China's expertise in hosting major sports events, which has raised their expectations for the 19th Asian Games to be held later this month in China's Hangzhou.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): NASRULLAH RANA, Director of Pakistan Sports Board
"The expectations are very strong. We are very happy to be there, and we are waiting for that event, because every time the Chinese give surprises to other nations, and we love to see that moment. So, all the guys who are going there are ready to face all such kinds of activities which they have never seen before."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): FATIMATUZ ZEHRA, Pakistani taekwondo player
"I'll go for the gold definitely, like every athlete. Winning a medal is a big opportunity in the Asian Games. But still, I'll say that is a very great learning perspective, and I will get a great experience and exposure there."

SOUNDBITE 3 (URDU): AROOJ KIRAN, Pakistani hurdle athlete
"We want to go to China. Some athletes went to China earlier. They trained there and performed very well. We will go there and make our country proud by making a record for Pakistan."

They also share their expectations for the host city of Hangzhou.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): FATIMATUZ ZEHRA, Pakistani taekwondo player
"Being very young, I always heard that China is a very big country, and it's a very hi-tech country and so developed in everything. So I've been really excited to see and know about China, and Hangzhou, where the competition will be held."

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): NASRULLAH RANA, Director of Pakistan Sports Board
"It's a developed city. They have very much lighting there. And everybody is ready to 'see the day' in the night."

SOUNDBITE 6 (URDU): AROOJ KIRAN, Pakistani hurdle athlete
"We are very excited to go to China, especially because it's our friendly country, and we are very close to each other. Development is taking place every day in China, and Hangzhou City is quite famous for development in the technology sector and is a hub for e-commerce."

SOUNDBITE 7 (English): FATIMATUZ ZEHRA, Pakistani taekwondo player
"Hello, Hangzhou."

SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese & English): AROOJ KIRAN, Pakistani hurdle athlete
"Hello Hangzhou, I'm coming."

SOUNDBITE 9 (English): NASRULLAH RANA, Director of Pakistan Sports Board
"Hello, Hangzhou. We are coming, get ready."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Islamabad.
(XHTV)