Olympians start to crack
Reported rift in meeting to decide response to Pakistan Hockey Federation.
KARACHI:
While other countries prepare for this year’s high-profile London Olympics, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is engaged in a battle with Olympians, with the matter seemingly headed towards the court.
But before the battle moves into the court, even the former hockey players stand divided over their response to being served legal notices by the country’s federation.
The PHF slapped 13 Olympians, including various captains, with notices last month after they accused the federation of human trafficking in a letter to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. The letter also recommended steps to uplift Pakistan hockey and pointed out ‘wrong policies’ of the current officials.
The Olympians, who vowed to start the legal battle, gathered for the first time to finalise their strategy on the issue. However, it was learnt that the Olympians faced difference in opinions and the meeting ended without reaching a conclusion.
“The Olympians remained divided in their opinions,” an official privy to the meeting told The Express Tribune. “One of the groups wants to start the legal battle while another wants reconciliation with the PHF.
“The ones favouring the patch-up feel that the harsh accusations against the PHF were made without taking them into confidence,” the official said, while naming former captain Islahuddin as one of those backing a patch-up.
However, Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh negated the impression and said all that the Olympians remained united.
“It was an informal meeting,” said Sheikh. “We shared documents and details supporting our case and will be announcing our course of action today.” Sheikh added that all the Olympians will have to file an individual reply by January 11.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2012.
While other countries prepare for this year’s high-profile London Olympics, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is engaged in a battle with Olympians, with the matter seemingly headed towards the court.
But before the battle moves into the court, even the former hockey players stand divided over their response to being served legal notices by the country’s federation.
The PHF slapped 13 Olympians, including various captains, with notices last month after they accused the federation of human trafficking in a letter to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. The letter also recommended steps to uplift Pakistan hockey and pointed out ‘wrong policies’ of the current officials.
The Olympians, who vowed to start the legal battle, gathered for the first time to finalise their strategy on the issue. However, it was learnt that the Olympians faced difference in opinions and the meeting ended without reaching a conclusion.
“The Olympians remained divided in their opinions,” an official privy to the meeting told The Express Tribune. “One of the groups wants to start the legal battle while another wants reconciliation with the PHF.
“The ones favouring the patch-up feel that the harsh accusations against the PHF were made without taking them into confidence,” the official said, while naming former captain Islahuddin as one of those backing a patch-up.
However, Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh negated the impression and said all that the Olympians remained united.
“It was an informal meeting,” said Sheikh. “We shared documents and details supporting our case and will be announcing our course of action today.” Sheikh added that all the Olympians will have to file an individual reply by January 11.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2012.