Karachi American School Student Makes Athletics History

Division I, here I come! Myra Nur Lakdawala, at right, celebrates with KAS track coach Scott Johnson after signing her National Letter of Intent (photo: KAS).

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Myra Nur Lakdawala, a Grade 12 student at Karachi American School (KAS), recently became the first woman in Pakistan’s history to receive a sports scholarship to a Division I institution in the United States. Myra will attend The University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, which is in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Big West Conference; she signed her National Letter of Intent in front of the entire KAS high school last February.

Myra began systematic training rather late compared to her American counterparts, and she and her coach have spent the last two summers in Scotland in search of better racing and training opportunities. During this time she set the All-Time Pakistan National Record for 3,000 meters. Her current bests are 800 meters (2:26), 1,500 meters (4:56), and 3,000 meters (10:44).

Myra was courted by several universities, and decided on Pacific after making an official NCAA visit in November 2012. She wants to study Sports Medicine while at Pacific. “Pacific is the perfect fit for me,” says Myra. “It has the academic program I want, and the NCAA Region is one of the toughest in the United States.

“I have only raced seriously in Scotland, and getting four years of high-level competition will hopefully allow me to attack the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter National Records. I would like to represent my country in the upcoming world and Olympic competitions, but that is entirely up to the selection committee.”

I met Myra in Grade 9, and knew immediately that she had the drive. It was a matter of getting her opportunities abroad, to train and race. She has only run the 3,000 meter four times competitively for instance, so it is remarkable given her circumstances how well she has done. Myra had to make some sacrifices as well, but because she had home support and was organized these came a bit easier. Her parents are Parvez and Rozina Lakdawala of Karachi, Pakistan.

Myra leaves for the University of the Pacific in August, for two weeks of high altitude training at Lake Tahoe before beginning her academic classes and cross-country season.

Mr. Johnson is Athletic Director and Head Track Coach at Karachi American School, Pakistan.

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