Funds for players

There has been consistency in running the affairs of the Pakistan Olympics Association, but also in its lack of achievement of not winning even one medal under the current president’s watch. Despite this track record, the Pakistani contingent – consisting primarily of officials with very few athletes – has been participating in every Olympics Games.

While officials have been enjoying perks, the performance on the field has been declining. Our hockey team has consistently not qualified for entry in the Olympics. There is a lack of funds for hockey and football players. In the rare event when an individual manages to win on his own efforts like in snooker, boxing etc, there is lukewarm recognition and appreciation. The only exception is cricket, where from the president to the PM everybody goes overboard showering rewards and holding receptions when the team wins. Funds must be allocated exclusively for the training and nutrition of players and athletes with minimal expenditure on officials.

Malik Tariq Ali

Lahore