PSB to send sports policy reply

The deadline to sort out the issue and file a reply expired on September 15. PHOTO: IOC

KARACHI: The row regarding the implementation of the National Sports Policy between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the country’s Olympic association continues, the board is planning to send a detailed reply to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the coming week.

The deadline to sort out the issue and file a reply expired on September 15.

While the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) maintains that it does not come under the umbrella of the PSB, the board is adamant in implementing the policy, which bars government interference and could result in the ouster of the association president General Arif Hasan. The PSB said that the policy was approved in the parliament and, hence, binding.

“Though the PSB has taken time, it wants to make sure that a thorough reply is sent so that the ban on Pakistan is avoided and their point is cleared as well,” an official close to the matter told The Express Tribune. “The board members have been deliberating on the issue so that a conclusion can be reached. Pakistan has a tradition and an international organisation cannot understand the ground realities which are far from being clear for outsiders.

“But we will send a detailed judgement of the Supreme Court’s ruling to the IOC as well to help them understand the decision.”

Meanwhile it was been learnt that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Qasim Zia and Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) chief Akram Sahi – both lost to Hasan in recent POA elections – have already made up their minds on fresh elections and a meeting between the two has taken place.

“There is a big chance that the PSB could declare POA’s recent elections null and void,” said Sahi. “I’m ready to contest the POA’s presidency.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2012.