Hasan to blame if IOC bans us: Sahi
International Olympic body has no problems with us, says POA chief.
Sahi clarified that his officials never occupied or forcible took over the Olympic House in Lahore from Hasan’s officials last week. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI:
The government-backed Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Akram Sahi assured that internal conflicts between the country’s sports federations will not compromise the national athletes’ participation in international events.
Sahi said that former POA president Arif Hasan will be responsible if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bans the country from taking part in the Olympics.
Sahi addressed a POA meeting yesterday, in which the association also confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the third Islamic Solidarity Games in six disciplines, starting from September 22 in Indonesia.
“We are working to improve sports in Pakistan and the IOC doesn’t have any problems with us,” Sahi told The Express Tribune. “We are making all-out efforts, but Hasan will be responsible if the IOC bans us from the Olympics because he is publicising domestic conflicts for the whole world to see.
“According to the IOC charter, it is not in their interest to ban any country. In fact, they want to promote sports in nations like Pakistan. They send us wild card entries for Olympics to endorse our athletes. So we are grateful for that and we will respect the IOC charter.”
Meanwhile, Sahi also clarified that his officials never occupied or forcible took over the Olympic House in Lahore from Hasan’s officials last week.
He said his officials went to the Olympic House with a letter that stated that the office should be handed over to the current administration. He praised Hasan’s officials for leaving the office instantly upon receiving the letter.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2013.
The government-backed Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Akram Sahi assured that internal conflicts between the country’s sports federations will not compromise the national athletes’ participation in international events.
Sahi said that former POA president Arif Hasan will be responsible if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bans the country from taking part in the Olympics.
Sahi addressed a POA meeting yesterday, in which the association also confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the third Islamic Solidarity Games in six disciplines, starting from September 22 in Indonesia.
“We are working to improve sports in Pakistan and the IOC doesn’t have any problems with us,” Sahi told The Express Tribune. “We are making all-out efforts, but Hasan will be responsible if the IOC bans us from the Olympics because he is publicising domestic conflicts for the whole world to see.
“According to the IOC charter, it is not in their interest to ban any country. In fact, they want to promote sports in nations like Pakistan. They send us wild card entries for Olympics to endorse our athletes. So we are grateful for that and we will respect the IOC charter.”
Meanwhile, Sahi also clarified that his officials never occupied or forcible took over the Olympic House in Lahore from Hasan’s officials last week.
He said his officials went to the Olympic House with a letter that stated that the office should be handed over to the current administration. He praised Hasan’s officials for leaving the office instantly upon receiving the letter.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2013.