The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has alleged that the Inter-provincial Ministry (IPC), headed by Fehmida Mirza, and therefore the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) are mainly liable for the decline of sports within the country while the POA isn’t liable for sports development within the country.
In a strong statement issued here on Tuesday, the POA also acknowledged that the IPC made a false claim that it had sent a summary to the Prime Minister for the preparation of the athletes who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.
The POA also criticized the PSB for the unutilized sports funds worth Rs 440 million to the finance ministry and within the Olympic year rather than spending it on the preparations of the athletes for the Tokyo Games.
While the POA hailed the performance of weightlifter Talha Talib at the Olympics, it also leveled serious allegations over the IPC-PSB.
“On Sunday, we witnessed a tremendous performance by Talha Talib who secured the fifth position within the 67Kg weightlifting event at the world’s most prestigious sporting gala Tokyo 2020. His performance manifests the resolve which not only will encourage his fellow Olympians at Tokyo but those that are working hard to boost the ensign at international arenas within the future,” the POA stated.
“Talha has done us proud. Had the Pakistan Sports Board lived up to its responsibilities, we might have seen Talha on stage alongside talented shooter Joseph Gulfam and therefore the other athletes representing the country.
“Right at the outset, allow us to make sure aspects very clearly. The POA isn’t liable for Sports Development within the country. this is often the responsibility of PSB and it’s clearly stated in their own rules which are available on their website (http://www.sports.gov.pk),” the POA statement added.
The POA further clarified their organization is representative of IOC and OCA for Olympic Movement in Pakistan and is remitted to Foster Olympism through Sports and Education.
“It is our stated position, duly conveyed to the concerned quarters on multiple occasions, that the prevailing facilities and support for our sportspersons are rock bottom within the region despite which our athletes have made tremendous strides in their respective sports events, as is clear from Talha Talib’s performance.”
“On May 31, 2021, POA categorically stated its concerns vide a press release about the surrendered Rs. 440 million which too within the Olympic year. This money could and will are utilized for further specialized training of these athletes who had qualified on their own steam.
“It could are utilized to help other athletes who were capable of qualifying but couldn’t do so as neither they nor their federations have the resources. Fine athletes like Saadi Abbas lacked the resources to coach and qualify. The grant from the remaining amount was apportioned at the top of the fiscal year with no basis or criteria of allotment and was therefore frittered away which may be a case of insufficient too late.”
POA said that it managed scholarships and support for athletes through IOC that has benefited all the three qualified shooters, Talha Talib and Bismah Khan who are a part of the Pakistan Contingent at Tokyo 2020.
“The total amount of IOC support for Athletes is US$242,000. we might wish to take this chance to thank the IOC for his or her support. aside from these scholarships, POA funded the entire contingent for its travelling and Covid testing for participation within the Tokyo Games although this was the duty of the PSB as per their mandate. Even the dope testing before departure was financed by POA, especially through the supply of kits because the Government has not funded the National Anti-Doping Organization of Pakistan although it’s required to try to to so as per the wants of WADA and therefore the UN. (Reportedly PSB has reimbursed the quantity spent by POA for doping to NADO).
“POA has always expressed its readiness to help and may assume an advisory role if desired by the authorities to determine an elite sports development program however the National Sports Federations shall remain custodian of their Games. POA’s exclusive domain is to watch observance of Olympic Charter and WADA Code in Pakistan.
“In the top , we strongly condemn baseless and misleading information being spread about POA and its office bearers. POA may be a non-governmental and non profit-organisation entrusted to market Olympic values in Pakistan. POA has got to remain within its domain as defined within the Olympic Charter.
“It is categorically stated that neither POA gets any support from the govt of Pakistan nor its elected office bearers are paid employees, instead they serve on a voluntary basis,” it concluded.
