ISLAMABAD - Former Director Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Zakir Hussain Syed came hard on Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Gen (retd) Arif Hasan and blamed him for current scenario with International Olympic Committee (IOC) as he was using his good offices in the IOC and blackmailing the PSB and government.
Expressed these views during Meet The RISJA at the PSB Media Centre on Wednesday, he said: “How could it be possible that the POA claims that they are not affiliated with the PSB and Supreme Court verdict regarding two terms doesn’t apply on them despite they had taken Rs 120 million grant from the PSB in last 12 years.
How could it be possible that IOC interfere in Pakistan sports affairs and threat them of suspension and not allowing our players to participate in the London Olympics?”
Saudi, UAE and other governments are fully involved in sports federations’ affairs and when they are free in making their decisions then Pakistan also reserve the same right, he added.
He said the timing of creating all this fuss was not right as Pakistan’s only real hope of winning medal was in hockey and instead of backing the players and providing all possible facilities to the players the POA was busy in teasing them just for their personal gains.
He questioned that how can Gen Arif criticise the PSB and made claims that he was not given free hand, as he was himself appointed by General Musharraf. He said Arif had done nothing despite serving for 8 years and he must step-a-side and let someone else who is capable of lifting the standard of fast declining fortunes of sports in the country.