‘Stuck’ PHF hopes for Asian Games go-ahead

Rasool still optimistic after failure to confirm participation before deadline.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) defied the December 31, 2013 deadline to confirm the country’s participation at this year’s Asian Games where the greenshirts are supposed to defend their gold medal.

The PHF’s failure to send an expression of interest to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), headed by Arif Hasan, has brought the defending champions on the verge of exclusion from the mega event which is scheduled to be held in South Korea in September.

Hasan’s body has authorisation by the International Olympics Committee (IOC), whereas Akram Sahi, who heads the parallel POA, is backed by the government. The national contingent can only go through the channel that is endorsed by the IOC.



The PHF, who are ‘stuck’ in the tussle between the rival POA bodies, are keeping their fingers crossed over the national team’s participation.

“We are desperate to send the team to the Asian Games,” PHF President Akhtar Rasool told The Express Tribune, while confirming that his federation had still not contacted Hasan.

“Before contacting Arif Hasan’s POA, we require the government’s approval because they provide us the funds and other assistance needed for the game’s promotion.”

A similar situation was faced by the PHF at the time of confirmation for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2014 when the government refused permission to contact Hasan.

“I had meetings with top sports government officials. I explained in detail what happened at the time of CWG confirmation and requested them to find a solution at the earliest. After my meetings, I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved.”

Meanwhile, an official close to Hasan’s POA revealed that  Pakistan can participate in the games — but a long delay from the PHF to submit an expression of interest ‘will end all hopes’.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.