News by “Sana Ullah“
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has expressed grave concern over the administrative shortcomings of the Athletic Federation of Pakistan (AFP), which led to the exclusion of top athletes Shajar Abbas and Jaffar Ashraf from the recently-concluded 11th Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Tehran, Iran.
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the AFP, the PSB has demanded a comprehensive explanation regarding reports indicating that despite the presence of both athletes at the championship venue, they were not permitted to participate in their designated events. According to established criteria and regulations, team management or officials are required to confirm athlete entries well in advance, typically a day prior to the competition. However, in the case of the two Pakistani athletes, no such confirmation was recorded, resulting in their unfortunate exclusion from the event. While AFP officials were not available for immediate comment, it is speculated that the accompanying personnel of the Pakistan team were unaware of this procedural requirement.
The PSB’s letter to the AFP president underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that despite the presence of Shajar Abbas and Jaffar Ashraf in Iran, their inability to compete raises serious doubts regarding management and accountability. The PSB acknowledges the significance of facilitating the active participation of Pakistani athletes in international competitions, not only for their personal growth but also for showcasing Pakistan’s sporting prowess on the global stage.
