LAHORE: Newly-elected Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Arif Saeed has emphasised that organising next year’s South Asian Games (SAF) will be the association’s top priority. He assured that the POA would collaborate closely with the government of Pakistan to ensure the event is held in a manner befitting its significance.

Speaking to the media following the official announcement of the POA election results on Monday, Arif, along with secretary Khalid Mahmood and treasurer Ahmar Malik — who were also elected unopposed — highlighted the magnitude of the task ahead.

He noted: “There is still a lot of work to be done to prepare for the SAF Games, and substantial investment will be required. The POA, in partnership with the government, will work diligently to organise the event successfully.”

Arif, who also heads the Pakistan Rugby Union, assured that his leadership of the POA would be anchored in honesty and transparency. He further emphasised that his primary focus would be to prioritise sports values.

“When the nation embraces merit and integrity, the standard of Pakistan’s sports will naturally improve,” he said.

Urging the introduction of sportsmanship and ethical values within the sporting community, Arif rejected the outdated belief that success in medals precedes integrity.

“The Olympic House will operate in line with the principles of the International Olympic Committee (IOC),” he affirmed.

New office-bearers of the POA:

President: Arif Saeed; senior vice-president: Fatima Lakhani; vice-presidents: Amir Jan, Majid Wasim; lady vice-presidents: Ishrat Ashraf, Andleeb Sidhu; general secretary: Khalid Mahmood; associate secretaries: Mohammad Jahangir, Aisam-ul-Haq, Wajid Chaudhary; lady associate secretary: Tehmina Asif; treasurer: Ahmar Malik; Olympics sports representatives: Hafiz Imran, Arshad Sattar, Sadaf Ikram.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024