We are desperate to send the team to the Asian Games, says PHF President Akhtar Rasool. PHOTO: AFP
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 2nd, 2014.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
1714819959-0/Untitled-design-(21)1714819959-0-270x192.webp)
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ