PSB harming Pakistan’s image in the world: SOA

KARACHI: Sindh Olympic Association’s (SOA) secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput has said that the Pakistan Sports Board’s (PSB) decision to suspend Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and provincial associations would have no direct consequence and only damage the image of Pakistan in the world.

“International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made it crystal clear in the past that it will not allow government or political interference in sports of any country. IOC has shown its muscles by suspending Indian Olympics Association’s affiliation. They could do the same with Pakistan if government departments try to interfere in sports,” Ahmed told PPI.

PSB has claimed to have suspended POA and has installed an ad hoc committee. But Ahmed said that PSB’s ban would not directly affect the POA or provincial associations. “POA is affiliated directly with IOA and provincial associations are affiliated with POA. Only IOA could suspend POA and POA could suspend provincial associations. POA and other provincial associations will continue to function as they don’t fall under the jurisdiction of PSB,” he explained.

However, he admitted that PSB’s attitude could lead to Pakistan being blacklisted internationally.

“Our players would not be able to participate in any international sports tournament in the world,” he explained.

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