LAHORE, Oct 31: Tussle between two rival Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) bodies is likely to deny the national hockey team entry into the next year’s Asian Games as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is still on a collision course with the POA.

The POA headed by retired Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan and recognised by International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the only door for Pakistan to send athletes abroad to take part in international events.

According to a press release issued by POA director-general Khalid Mahmood: “The POA had invited, among many other national federations, the PHF on Oct 21, 2013 since the deadline for entry into the Asian Games 2014 at Incheon was approaching. The POA wanted to ascertain willingness of the national federations concerned.

“Despite the invitation letter and two subsequent reminders, the PHF failed to respond to the invitation. The refusal/avoidance of the meeting with the POA and non-provision of its willingness is tantamount to the PHF conceding that it does not intend to participate in the Incheon Games.

The PHF has thrown weight behind government backed rival POA body which has clearly been dismissed by the IOC that in turn makes Pakistan chances to participate in the Asian Games more gloomy.

“The Olympic Council of Asia and the organising committee of the Incheon Asian Games 2014 shall only accept entries by the POA led by Arif Hasan for it is the bonafide National Olympic Committee recognised by the IOC,” said the POA director-general.

It is to be noted that Pakistan is the defending champion of the Asiad to be held in Incheon, South Korea in 2014.

“Pakistan won gold at the 2010 Asian Games at Guangzhou. That, and Pakistan hockey’s Asian record, suggests that it definitely is a medal prospect. The PHF is doing that because it has aligned itself with the illegal and unrecognised POA rivals. This is politics which is likely to hurt Pakistan hockey very badly,” he further said.

PHF president Qasim Zia despite being custodian of the game is following instructions of the federal government, which has so far disregarded national interests by not accepting Arif-led POA.

The statement further said: “Already the PHF has denied the Pakistan team participation in the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. The PHF must remember that its ultimate loyalty and responsibility should be Pakistan hockey and its betterment.”

A good number of Pakistani athletes could not participate in international events to show their mettle due to the clash between the POA and the government.