LAHORE: The Exec­utive Committee of the Pakistan Olympic Assoc­iation (POA) convened here on Friday, with preparations for the inaugural Youth Games —scheduled to be held in Islamabad from September 7 —taking centre stage.

The committee was briefed that the government had extended its support for the Youth Games, which are being organised to identify emerging talent from across the country.

Provincial contingents are expected to participate in the event, which aims to provide a platform for young athletes and promote grassroots development in various sports disciplines.

In addition to discussions on the Youth Games, members of the Executive Committee also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in the internal matters of national sports federations.

According to sources, the interference is viewed as a violation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter, which upholds the autonomy of national federations.

However, no formal resolution was passed on the issue, and it is expected to be taken up further during the POA’s General Council meeting scheduled for Saturday.

The POA has not issued an official statement regarding Friday’s meeting, and its office-bearers have so far refrained from commenting on the deliberations.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2025