June 07, 2007	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 21, 1428

KARACHI, June 6: President of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) Fakir Ayazuddin has termed Punjab’s objection of securing fewer medals in the 30th National Games held in the city recently due to poor arrangements as ‘uncalled for’.

“The technical side of the games was absolutely good with no complaints of cheating,” Fakir said in a rejoinder to the Punjab Olympic Association on Wednesday.

The general council of the Punjab Olympic Association the other day decided to lodge an official protest with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) pertaining to the mismanagement and disgraceful attitude of the organisers during the Games.

“Blaming the SOA for their dismal performance in the games is ‘unjustified’ and face-saving tactics,” Fakir stated.

Punjab could only secure 46 medals – (5-12-29) – to finish sixth among 11 affiliated units of the POA. Hosts Sindh, on the other hand, amassed 70 medals – (14-25-31) – to secure fourth position.

The SOA chief admitted there were some lapses as far as the administration of the games was concerned.

Fakir reminded Sindh contingent were treated shabbily by the organisers in Lahore during the second Inter-provincial Games, adding, “But we never opted to lodge an official protest with the POA.”