LAHORE,Feb 18 (APP)- A 75-member contingent of different sports has been finalised to represent the country in the Commonwealth Games being held from October 3-14 in New Delhi.This was stated by Lt.Gen. Syed Arif Hasan, President, Pakistan Olympic Association at a news conference after a general council meeting of the body here on Thursday.“ Pakistan will take part in athletics, swimming, boxing, hockey, squash, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling “,he said adding “ We have fair chance to win medals in tennis, weightlifting, wrestling and hockey”.He said tennis star Aisam ul Haq has confirmed his participation in the Games and his presence will be a big inspiration for Pakistan as he is a medal prospect.
“ We are in touch with sports ministry to start preparations for the Games as in 2010 Pakistan will also be taking part in Youth Olympic Games in Singapore,Asian Games in China and Asian Beach Games in Muscat”,he asserted.
POA Chief was of the view that preparations should be started as soon as possible and participation in three elite Asian events is a challenging task and requires adequate training and grooming of players in various disciplines he added.
He said Pakistan contingent for Youth Olympic to be held from August 20,Asian Games from November 12-27 and Asian Beach Games from December 8-18 will be finalised in consultation with Pakistan Sports Board keeping in view the fact to participate only in those events in which Pakistani athletes stand chance of medal winning.
Highlighting the decisions taken by the house,he said, the holding of next month national games at Peshawar has been conditioned with the report of the security committee formed by POA.
“ We will be sending a three member security and a similar number venue committee to visit Peshawar in few days to submit its report after reviewing security situation with the concerned quarters “,he said.
“ If the committee report suggests that situation is not conducive owing to security concerns then the Games will not be held in Peshawar “,he said adding “ President ,NWFP ,Olympic Association, Syed Aqil Shah has given firm assurances regarding the safety and security of athletes during the Games.
He said the house approved the affiliation of Islamabad Olympic Association and Pakistan Soft Ball Federation besides amending the constitution to add some clauses to decide the issue of parallel bodies.
Answering a question,he said, the POA constitution which also follows constitution of Pakistan on some matter, there is no provision to form Lahore or Karachi Olympic Associations.
“ Islamabad is the federal area which as per constitution can form an olympic association on the pattern of any provincial olympic association to help promote the games in the region “,he added.
Gen Arif said because of paucity of funds it was not possible in the given circumstances to send athletes or players abroad to get high profile training prior to Asian,Common wealth or Beach Games.
“ At a time when Pakistan Sports trust is no more,it has become very difficult to generate funds and to ensure quality training of players aborad because we have to seek guidance from PSB and Sports Ministry on our participation and training of players in international events”,he said.
“ We are in touch with sports ministry to start preparations for the Games as in 2010 Pakistan will also be taking part in Youth Olympic Games in Singapore,Asian Games in China and Asian Beach Games in Muscat”,he asserted.
POA Chief was of the view that preparations should be started as soon as possible and participation in three elite Asian events is a challenging task and requires adequate training and grooming of players in various disciplines he added.
He said Pakistan contingent for Youth Olympic to be held from August 20,Asian Games from November 12-27 and Asian Beach Games from December 8-18 will be finalised in consultation with Pakistan Sports Board keeping in view the fact to participate only in those events in which Pakistani athletes stand chance of medal winning.
Highlighting the decisions taken by the house,he said, the holding of next month national games at Peshawar has been conditioned with the report of the security committee formed by POA.
“ We will be sending a three member security and a similar number venue committee to visit Peshawar in few days to submit its report after reviewing security situation with the concerned quarters “,he said.
“ If the committee report suggests that situation is not conducive owing to security concerns then the Games will not be held in Peshawar “,he said adding “ President ,NWFP ,Olympic Association, Syed Aqil Shah has given firm assurances regarding the safety and security of athletes during the Games.
He said the house approved the affiliation of Islamabad Olympic Association and Pakistan Soft Ball Federation besides amending the constitution to add some clauses to decide the issue of parallel bodies.
Answering a question,he said, the POA constitution which also follows constitution of Pakistan on some matter, there is no provision to form Lahore or Karachi Olympic Associations.
“ Islamabad is the federal area which as per constitution can form an olympic association on the pattern of any provincial olympic association to help promote the games in the region “,he added.
Gen Arif said because of paucity of funds it was not possible in the given circumstances to send athletes or players abroad to get high profile training prior to Asian,Common wealth or Beach Games.
“ At a time when Pakistan Sports trust is no more,it has become very difficult to generate funds and to ensure quality training of players aborad because we have to seek guidance from PSB and Sports Ministry on our participation and training of players in international events”,he said.
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