JAKARTA: The Olympic Council of Asia has conferred the OCA Merit Award upon Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Vice President Olympic Council of Asia, “in recognition of his services for the protection and promotion of Olympic Movement at national and Asian arenas.”

The award was conferred during the 37th General Assembly Session held in Jakarta.

“Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan has led the Olympic Movement of Pakistan with dedication and resolve for the cause of sports as is evident from his determined stance on a transparent and an all-inclusive system in national sports in line with Olympic Charter,” an POA press release said.

“His commitments to the development of the youth through sports and gender equality have always been his topmost priority. He has always advocated that sports must be utilised to develop the leadership qualities of the youth and build a healthy, vibrant Pakistan through Sports for All policies,” it added.

Arif dedicated the award to the athletes of Pakistan.

“He has further pledged to promote peace through sports and has appealed to the new Government to realise the potential of sports and use it to assist them in the realization of their vision and assures them of the complete support of the sporting fraternity in this regard,” the press release further said.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2018