COUNTRIES which do not do well at Olympics determine the causes and take steps to improve at the next Games. We only continue to slide further down.

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) either has no clue about what to do, or is thoroughly incompetent in execution. The POA top echelon must be removed forthwith for this sports decline.

People with knowledge and the ability to take forward our sports are needed in the POA. When more freeloaders than the athletes represent us at the Olympics, when our hockey team does not even qualify, when a boxer with potential quits in disgust owing to lack of support, we desperately need a change in POA.

Imran Sheikh

Karachi

(2)

THIS refers to the Rio Olympics which ended recently. It was disheartening to observe a photograph (Aug 7), showing the smallest ever Pakistan contingent comprising seven athletes.

I want to ask the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to explain why only seven athletes represented Pakistan at this mega event. Furthermore, there was also a controversy regarding the flag-bearer. This too reflects the casual attitude of the POA. It appears that there is a lack of coordination between the POA and sports associations.

I request the prime minister to take notice of this pathetic situation. I doubt this mega event was taken seriously. Similarly, provincial sports ministers must look into this and forward recommendations to the PM so that we may start preparing for next Olympics and other events.

R. Akbar

Wah Cantt

Published in Dawn September 1st, 2016