Former Olympians slam PHF ban decision
ISLAMABAD, July 18 Ex-Olympians Naveed Alam and Mansoor Ahmad on Saturday slammed the decision of imposition of life ban by the Pakistan Hockey Federation and termed it as 'one sided' and 'unjustified' and vowed to challenge the decision in a court of law.
The Executive Board of the PHF on Friday imposed a life ban on former national coach Naveed Alam and ex-Olympian Mansoor for making false accusations against the federation officials.
Last week at a crowded press conference Mansoor Ahmad had accused PHF secretary Asif Bajwa of involving in 'human trafficking' and misuse of authority.
“It was a one-sided affair of the federation to impose a ban on me whereas I have only accused an individual [Asif Bawja] over his involvement in 'human trafficking' and not the federation,” alleged Mansoor, who has represented Pakistan in 235 international matches.
Mansoor added, “The Executive Board of the PHF did not give us a single chance of fair hearing. This is not justice.
“I will put all the facts including documentary evidences against Bajwa before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports on July 30 and the legislators as well as the people will come to know what the reality is.”
Mansoor questioned, “I don't know why the PHF has become a party to a critical issue involving an official.”
Meanwhile, Naveed pointed out, “It was not the job of a coach to handle financial affairs and the way the decision was taken is controversial and questionable.”
Naveed was blamed by the PHF for his alleged involvement in Rs2.5 million irregularities during a five-nation tour last year.
“I will take this decision to the court and have already requested Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, patron of the PHF, and also the NA body on sports to look into the bad state of affairs of the federation,” said Naveed.
“The allegations levelled against me are baseless and without any proof,” claimed the former national coach.