SAF Games: Pakistan likely to take part in 23 disciplines

Confirmation subject to security clearance from POA delegation

KARACHI: Pakistan will participate in 23 disciplines at the 12th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in India subject to clearance from the three-member Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) delegation towards the end of the month, informed POA President Lt Gen (retd) Syed Arif Hasan during a press conference on Tuesday.

The Games are set to be held in two cities — Guwahati and Shillong — from February 6-16.

“Around 450 to 500 athletes will compete in the men and women’s events,” said Hasan.

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While referring to the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India, the president said that the players’ safety was their primary concern. “We have asked the Indian government to provide the best possible security to our athletes; only then will we confirm our participation.”

He added that karate would not be part of the multi-sport event as India has three parallel federations for the sport. “This is not good news for us as we have been performing very well in karate,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd,  2015.

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