‘Pakistan suffering from lack of resources’

LAHORE: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Syed Arif Hasan has urged sports federations in Pakistan to increase sporting activity in the country.

“Hockey seems to be the only sport that Pakistan contests in Olympics,” said Hasan. “We have to emphasise on wrestling and squash as well. We need to work harder since our country lacks relevant resources.”

He used the example of Naseem Hamid – who became the fastest woman in South Asia at the SAF Games earlier this year – and pointed out that lack of funds has forced her to opt out of the Commonwealth Games.

Meanwhile, Hamid admitted that it has been difficult for her to train given the lack of resources.

“I was promised various grants by the government,” she said. “They haven’t been approved by the Sindh government until now.”

Published it the Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2010.