Despite differences between Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) over implementation of national sports policy, International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed Pakistan to participate in the London Olympics. "Different teams including athletic, swimming, hockey and shooting, consisting of a total of 39 players, will participate in the London Olympics, 2012," an official said.
According to him, the hockey team has already left for London while other teams will soon reach there. He said that IOC had already warned Pakistan to resolve the dispute between POA and PSB or the participation of Pakistan team in Olympics could be banned. However, IOC Executive Board in its last meeting decided to allow Pakistan participation in Olympics, saying "the IOC is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan."
The sources privy to the development said that in a letter written on June 21 to the government of Pakistan, the IOC clarified that the national sports organisations were independent bodies and the government had no role in their affairs. They said the row between POA and PSB over formulation of a uniform national sports policy was also discussed at IOC Executive Board meeting held last week.
Official maintained that the dispute intensified after the PSB said it stood firm over the implementation of a 2005 national sports policy which bars officials of sporting federations from holding office for a third term. The POA has argued that the IOC charter prevents the government from meddling in national federations affiliated to the POA. It was mandatory for POA to ensure compliance with the Olympic Charter and maintain their autonomous status, he said.
The PSB had failed to amend, he added, some of the rules and provisions which it had formulated while framing national sports policy, in contravention of the Olympic Charter The official said that POA was bound to abide by the rules and promote its objectives and mission and educate all those related to the Olympic Movement. All member units of the POA are under obligation to comply with the Olympic Charter and to protect the Olympic Movement in the country - an obligation upon them by virtue of their affiliation to the POA as well as affiliation with their International Federations, according to the official.
Comments
Comments are closed.