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Govt Finally Recognises Arif's POA Back To Main

Islamabad: The government of Pakistan has finally given go ahead to the concern authorities to accept all the international Olympic Committee (IOC) demands reiterating that they honour Lt Gen (Retd) Arif Hasan as the only and genuine head of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mian Riaz Hussain Peezada while taking to The News confirmed that following successful negotiation with IOC in Lausanne (Switzerland) in June, the government had decided to honour all international binding in letter and spirit.

"I have approved the findings. According IOC-Goverment of Pakistan joint declaration, Lt Gen (retd) Arif Hasan has been declared as the genuine head of the POA. I have signed the letter and hopefully would announce all these things for media consumption in a few days time.

He said that since Arif Hasan had couple of years left as the POA head, the government has decided to back and support him and keep entire liaison with the POA headed by him. "I admit here that I was misguided by the former DG, PSB and former IPC secretary on crucial matters. But now with the help of the present incumbent who are wiser, positive and know how to earn respect for the country and for the nation, we have decided to go with the international body for the best interest of the Country."

The Minister said that according to IOC requirements, letters have been dispatched to concern authorities to help vacate the Olympic House and release the POA Accounts.

Meanwhile, The News had learn that according to the IOC Government of Pakistan deal all the genuine and internationally recognized federations would be suggested to voluntarily adopt three-tenure restriction for smooth function of the respective bodies.

"Only federation (not POA) would be asked to voluntarily adopt three tern policy. However, it would not be binding on them to must adopt this policy. Policy is just a policy which can be amended considering the wider interest of the country. Like it is the government policy not to transfer a government servant prior to the completion of three years on particular post. But in border interest every now and the government has to make such adjustments. It is like same we have to make adjustments in the best interest of the country," and IPC official who requested not to be named said.

the IPC has recently called breakaway POA head Maj Gen (retd) Akram Sahi and communicated government decision to honor LT Gen (retd) Arif Hasan as head of the Pakistan Olympic Association in future.

The PTTF secretary Kifayat Khan told "The News" on Thursday that they opted to send youngsters to Glasgow as per future strategy.

How long our experienced lot will deliver for Pakistan. Its right time for us to also groom our youngsters and that is why we have opted to provide opportunity to the cream young lot". Kifayat Said.

He Said is the absence of the world's strongest countries like China and Korea Pakistani Players are likely to give tough time to their rivals.

"In the absence of strong countries, our players may get good draws and I am confident that they would put in their best effort as all are highly talented," Kifayat Said.

Former star player and international coach Arif Khan will accompany the side as coach, Khalid Mirza of Wapda as manager while Kifayat himself as head delegate.
Kifayat said that all the players had been undergoing training in their respective cities