PCF discontent with delay in visas

Pakistan cyclists miss preliminary events in Asian Championship.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) President Munawwar Baseer was displeased with the delayed issuance of visas to Pakistan’s participants.

Having finally obtained visas from the Indian authorities, Pakistan team would depart today for the 33rd Asian Cycling Championship being held in New Delhi from March 7 to 17.

“It’s the first time the PCF decided to compete in the Asian Championship with a full team,” said Baseer in a press conference.

“This decision was accordingly intimated to the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) well in time. The national team has already missed out on the ladies’ junior events and men’s elimination heats in various categories and other track event qualifiers that began on March 7.”

He added that despite the PCF’s continuous follow-up with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and urgent reminders sent to the CFI, the visas were not issued by March 6, thus making it impossible for Pakistan cyclists to leave on time.

He also alleged that Onkar Singh, Secretary General CFI had informed PCF Secretary Syed Azhar Ali Shah that the requisite letter of clearance from the Home Ministry would be sent to Indian High Commission, Islamabad by March 5 or 6, however the same was only sent on March 8 after a complaint was lodged with ACC and CFI.

“The non-issuance of visas has delayed Pakistan’s participation in the event, which is a violation of the International Cycling Union and International Olympics Committee Charter.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2013.