ISLAMABAD: With less than 10 days before action starts in the Rio Olympics the federal government is yet to issue no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Pakistani contingent for participating in the Games, a scenario the officials concerned emphasise will disturb the squad.
Speaking to Dawn, a Pakistan Sports Board official said that the NOC had not been issued or reached the PSB till Thursday evening.
“The NOC for the Rio Olympics should have been issued on time to keep our athletes’ campaign trouble-free. But unfortunately this has not happened and now this [unnecessary] delay will disturb our planning,” the official said, while recalling that the same situation developed earlier this year when due to improper travel arrangements the Pakistan contingent had to cover long distance for reaching India to compete in the South Asian Games.
Pakistan will be sending its smallest-ever Olympic contingent to Rio, comprising more officials than athletes. Seven athletes accompanied by 12 officials, including four coaches and other technical staff members, will represent the country at the world’s most prestigious sports extravaganza.
The officials include PSB director general Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, PSB doctor Waqar Ahmed, an official of the IPC ministry and a few others associated with the Pakistan Olympic Association.
Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2016
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