Hasan rules out dialogue with Sahi

POA chief ready to sit down with IPC over parallel bodies’ issue.


Our Correspondent September 26, 2013
POA stated that they refused to sit with Sahi’s association backed by the government because they have been declared illegal by all the top international organisations including IOC. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

KARACHI: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) led by Arif Hasan has vowed that although they will not interact with the Akram Sahi-led POA at any cost, they are willing to hold a dialogue with the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry officials in the larger interest of sports.

Hasan was far from pleased with the fact that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) issued a press release which referred to his organisation as the ‘other’ group and implying Sahi’s group to be the genuine Olympic body of Pakistan.

He felt that it was unfortunate that an important issue was again being used as a point-scoring exercise and for obscuring the actual issue.



The press release sent by Hasan’s POA stated that they refused to sit with Sahi’s association backed by the government because they have been declared illegal by all the top international organisations including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia as well as others.

“There is no mediation required,” it read. “What is required is that the genuine POA and the Ministry sit together while respecting each other’s constitutional mandate, work towards the development of sports in the country.”

Hasan further stated, “Yes, the POA and I are willing to talk to the IPC, in order to find a resolution for the sake of the country, its athletes and its image. But there can be no compromise on the principles of the Olympic Charter. The intention and the commitment to resolving the matter with the Ministry still stands. It is now up to the Ministry.”

On the other hand, Sahi welcomed the initiative taken by the government.

“I had always stated that this is our internal issue and should be resolved out within ourselves and it should not be highlighted at the IOC level,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2013.

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