LAHORE–December 24, 2012–At the occasion of Quaid-i-Azam’s birth anniversary, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) celebrates the momentous moment of birth of the Father of the Nation. “This is not merely remembering him rhetorically, but the POA quite seriously cherishes the values and ideals of the Quaid, especially those enunciated with regards to democracy and nurturing a vibrant sporting culture”, said the President POA, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Arif Hasan, HI(M).
Today we pay the Quaid a special tribute, by recalling Quaid-i-Azam’s message to the first Pakistan National Games [then called Pakistan Olympic Games], and his various sayings and speeches on the importance of sport and other views and pronouncements.
“This is only appropriate that at the auspicious convergence of the Quaid’s birth anniversary falling in the middle of the Games that he initiated in those extremely demanding immediate post-Independence period, that we collectively recall his person and his vision”, said the President POA.
A keen sportsman himself in his prime, the Quaid actively took part in cricket and golf, and in billiards till very late in his life, until he was thoroughly consumed by the political struggle for Independence.
“His vision guides us today, when as he had warned, our ‘path is calculatingly cluttered’ [Quaid’s words] by some egos and considerations that are petty and narrow. We, the Olympic family, are trying our best to rise above ourselves and put our best foot forward. The organization of the ongoing National Games 2012 is a living example, a clear manifestation of that resolve.
“Let us follow the Quaid’s vision in all walks of life, a most cardinal part of which should be put on his philosophy on youth. Today let us resolve to follow the Quaid's vision and work towards the attainment of his objectives. Let it not be said we could not prove equal to the task," the POA President concluded.
Appendix
(for ready reference of print and electronic media and benefit of readers on the POA website):
Quaid’s Words on Sports and Sportsmen
In a meeting with the Organizing Committee of the First Pakistan Olympic Games held at Karachi the Quaid-i-Azam said to the first President of Pakistan Olympic Association Mr. Ahmed E.H. Jaffar:
"Dedicate yourself to sports promotion, for when you and I are gone, leadership will go into the hands of Youth, and Youth is our wealth, a raw material, that must be hammered into shape, into burnished steel to strive and smite in defence – the defence of the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan – the defence of the ideology of Pakistan."
Quaid-i-Azam's philosophy about Pakistan Youth, is expressed most forcefully in a letter he sent to the late Mr. M. A. Khaliq, the Organizing Secretary of the First Pakistan Olympic Games.
"Well, we have crossed hurdles and breasted the tape at the 'Wining Post', this the people say in smugness. I maintain that we have only run the first lap of marathon relay race. I have passed the baton to others to dash on from lap to lap, determined and dedicated, united and disciplined, with faith in themselves and God.
“Your race to destiny, shall be calculatingly cluttered with obstacles, and if you have Unity, Faith and Discipline, nothing will ever stop you from becoming sturdy and strong. Strength alone is an effective deterrent to aggression.
“Build leadership on the play fields, and try to become good followers. Remember no one can ever command, who does not learn how to obey. Be a builder. Build for others.”
On April 23, 1948 our beloved Father of the Nation and first Governor General of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah drove-in-state to declare the Games open.
He donated a "Challenge Shield" from his private funds. The trophy is now named as the "Quaid-i-Azam Trophy" and is awarded to the winner team in every edition of the Games.
The Quaid gave the following message on the occasion:
"For sound minds we should have sound bodies and that is why nations the world over attach so much importance to bodybuilding and physical culture, The Pakistan Olympic Games should set an incentive to all Pakistan Nationals to emulate the Olympic Motto "CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS" i.e. "FASTER, HIGHER AND STRONGER.
“I wish the organizers of the Games and all competitors of the Games and all competitors the best luck, Build up Pakistan Higher, Firmer and Stronger".
This then is the legacy of our Quaid.
