Pakistan's participation in CWG, Asian Games doubtful

Islamabad, June 27 (ANI): Pakistan's participation in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games is doubtful as it is yet to finalise the contingent for the two sporting events.

The organisers of both the events have set June 30 as the deadline for sending the list of players and officials, however, the sports ministry has failed to finalise the contingent despite repeated appeals from the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

"Only couple of days are left before the expiry the deadline and so far there has been no response from Pakistan," a Commonwealth Games organising committee official said.

The Commonwealth Games would is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14, while the Asian Games would be held in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to 27.

When enquired about the issue, POA President Liutenant General (retired) Arif Hasan said that Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have been reminded several times, but there has been no response yet.

"The only time the Ministry expressed its desire to hold such meeting was on June 23 when the Commonwealth Games baton was due to reach in Lahore and as the POA president, my presence in Lahore was of immense importance. Leaving Lahore on that day was almost impossible. The POA requested the Ministry to change the date according to the Baton Relay arrival and departure. However, so far there has been no response on these repeated requests," The News quoted Hasan, as saying. (ANI)