KARACHI: The Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) on Saturday hosted a reception in honor of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president retired Lt Gen Arif Hasan who has been elected as member Sports Committee Commonwealth Games Federation for Asia and has also received Merit Award from Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

While speaking on the occasion, Arif said that a concerted effort is needed to portray a soft image of Pakistan to the world through sports.

“We all have to make joint effort to portray a soft image of Pakistan. It will help us restore international sports activities in the country,” Arif said.

“There was a time when Pakistan was champion in snooker, squash, hockey and cricket,” said Arif.

“That was a great high time for Pakistan in sports. But time doesn’t always remain same and there are always ups and downs. Sometimes we win and sometimes we don’t. However, the things we can do are consistent efforts,” he stressed.

He added that promotion of sports at school and college level had played important role in Pakistan’s past successes.

“There was a time when there were scholarships and sports quota available at schools and colleges, which used to entice youngsters to play sports passionately. There was a time when players from schools and colleges performed brilliantly and would go all the way up to represent Pakistan forcefully at the world stage. But unfortunately it has not been the case anymore,” he lamented.

Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, POA secretary Khalid Mehmood, hockey Olympian Islahuddin, squash legend Jahangir Khan, SOA senior VP Wasim Hashmi, vice chairman Asif Azeem, vice presidents Mehfoozul Haq, Gulfaraz Ahmed Khan, secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput, Asma Mohammad Ali Shah, Ghulam Mohammad Khan, Softball Federation of Pakistan (SFP) chairperson Tehmina Asif and other officials of SOA and sports bodies were also present on the occasion.

He rued the fact that at this point in time, sports infrastructure and facilities have almost vanished. “The grounds and sports complex at schools and colleges have been replaced by new blocks and campuses,” he observed. “Despite all these challenges, POA has been trying its best to promote and popularise sports throughout the country.

At the end of his address, Arif thanked SOA for hosting a reception ceremony held in his honor.

Commissioner Iftikhar on the occasion praised Arif for endeavouring to promote sports in the country despite challenges.

“A merit award from Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and his election as member Sports Committee Commonwealth Games Federation for Asia is a proud moment for Pakistan’s sports community,” he said.

He hoped that Arif would continue the good work he is doing for the sports in Pakistan and his efforts would continue to be recognised internationally. Olympian Islahuddin said that Arif fought Pakista’s case at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) forum and won. “He has always patronised players and sports and proved that if opportunities are provided than good results can be expected,” he said.

At the end of the ceremony, the Commissioner Karachi presented a memento to Arif Hasan on behalf of the SOA.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2019