KARACHI: A group of former Olympians and internationals led by ‘flying horse’ Samiullah on Saturday refused to accept the recently-held elections of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and demanded its immediate dissolution.

“The elections held under the PHF appointed committee are not acceptable to us as there’s no transparency in it,” a dejected former Olympian goal-keeper Qamar Zia told journalists at a press conference at his residence.

Karachi-based Olympians and internationals including brothers Samiullah and Kaleemullah, Jahangir Butt, M. Saqlain and Qamar Riaz were also present on the occasion.

They vowed to continue their struggle until the restoration of constitution of year 2000, dissolution of Executive Board and complete salvation of hockey. “Our struggle is aimed at reorganising the PHF and not to seek positions and perks,” Qamar added. “We will stick to our stand and not compromise as some of our colleagues have done by accepting various posts in the federation,” he remarked.

The former custodian rejected the notion that the group was still with Islahuddin and Shahnaz Shaikh. “We ‘re not with them any more and our strength has risen to 42 -- 22 Olympians and 20 internationals across the country,” he stated.

Qamar also demanded that the elections at district level should be conducted under the DCO’s.

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