ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minster on Inter Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday warned sports federations of strict accountability, expressing his concern over participation of only four athletes in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“We have a population of around 250 million, but only four of our athletes are set to participate in Olympic Games,” lamented Sanaullah during a ceremony held here to celebrate the World Sports Journalists Day. “While, small countries are sending contingents 100 and more, this is painful. “We will not support the federations which are not providing results. All federations should take steps to ensure maximum participation of our athletes in Olympics and other global events.” he said, while adding that the government would provide full support to the federations which ensure participation of players in such events.

Meanwhile, Sanaullah claimed only athletes and professional coaches would be provided funding for foreign tours.

“There will be no joy ride for anyone, we will fund only athletes and coaches,” he said. “If other [officials] want to visit they should go but on their on expenses.”

Three Pakistani shooters, Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, Joseph Gulfam and Kishmala Talat and Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem qualified for the Olympics based on their performance. Besides them, two swimmers — Mohammad Ahmed Durrani and Jehanara Nabi and a sprinter Faiqa Riaz will also participate in this event on the basis of their wildcard entry.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2024