Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hassan has regretted denial of Indian visas to Pakistani athletes in the recent past which resulted in their nonparticipation in several international competitions. Talking to reporters on Wednesday, the POA chief said that it was regrettable that Pakistan’s shooting, kabaddi and junior hockey players could not participate in various international events mainly because of visa-related issues.

“We have decided to take up the issue at all appropriate forums,” maintained Arif and added that he had “directed the national sports federations to take up the matter with their respective international bodies.”

He said that all sports federations had been asked to not make any delay on their part in connection with their participation in international events. “The required government NOC should be given on time while our federations should swiftly complete all necessary documentations,” he said while stating that Pakistan athletes would participate in several international events this year. Answering a question, Arif said that there were certain chances that Pakistan hosted the South Asian Games in Islamabad. “We have to focus on SAF Games apart from working on new talent in the country.”

Talking about the annually-held Quaid-e-Azam Games held under the auspices of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the POA chief said the Games in question were not productive. “We don`t know as to who are participating in these Games neither have we any knowledge as to what are the results of these Games.”