National games: sports board flags dubious bodies

KARACHI:

Days ahead of the country's biggest sports event, questions have been raised on the participation of unauthorized sports associations.

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has formally communicated its serious reservations to the Government of Sindh regarding the organization of the 35th National Games, scheduled to begin in Karachi on December 6.

In a letter penned by the PSB Assistant Director for National Federations to the Sindh Sports Secretary, the board urged the provincial government to ensure that only legitimate and recognized sports organizations and officials are involved. The PSB highlighted concerns that several competitions are allegedly being managed by unapproved bodies or individuals.

The board noted that the weightlifting federation, which is banned by both the PSB and its international counterpart due to doping violations, has been included in the games. The PSB has requested the Sindh government to immediately review these matters, revise the arrangements, and grant participation opportunities exclusively to legal federations and their authorized officials in the National Games.