Govt support must for sports federations: Arif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Lt Gen (rtd) Arif Hasan said governing financial support and backing is a must for federations and development of sports in the country. He was responding to a question on The News that says that Indian government has increased federation annual grant to over Rs 700 crore annually.“In a society where we or our neighbours live, the government support is must. Government financial backing is required to see games flourish in the country. I know well that Indian government invest heavy amount on sports development in the country. Besides whopping annual grants for federation, India also invests on other sports programme to achieve their goals.”The POA president said India used sports for diplomacy purpose. “Sports is the best medium to introduce your country. India is using sports for diplomacy purposes.”To a question about POA’s recent letter to Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), Arif Hasan said there was nothing wrong in that letter. “Yes, I have written a letter to Minister. But my question is what is wrong in that letter. I have mentioned two things in that letter. The first one is our preparation is getting late for the South Asian Games. All other neighbouring countries are busy preparing for the Games and we have yet to start our preparations.”The second thing the POA letter mentioned was government guarantee for the next edition of the Games. “Where ever such a mega event organized the respective government gives guarantee to back and support these Games. These are normal routine. Since we are organizing next event, we need government support and backing for the purpose,” POA president said. He congratulated Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) on their continued efforts to promote the game in the country. “Their efforts are marvelous for squash promotion.”

from The News International - Sports http://bit.ly/2G3q6gK