Merit only solution to uplift Pak sports: Dr Fahmida.

Byline: Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister Dr Fahmida Mirza has warned all the federations of stopping negativity and keeping their houses in order to produce better results at international level.

Talking to The Nation, IPC Minister Dr Fahmida said: 'We were producing champions in squash, hockey, cricket, snooker, kabbadi and other sports, but for the last few years, we have witnessed sharp decline in standard of sports and our teams and individuals are not winning medals at international level. We need to ensure merit in every game as it is the only solution to uplift the declining standard of Pakistan sports.'

She said they badly need to promote soft sports-loving image of the country at international level. 'Pakistan Sports Board and IPC Ministry have provided the federations all-out facilities, funds and arranged lengthy camps but in response, we couldn't get the desired results. The basic reason behind sports decline is parallel federations as they prefer the country's interests to their own.

'I have given substantial grants to all those federations, who are working as per need of the country, while I will ensure more grants, facilities and training camps to them. I will provide them with international coaches and tours, but in return, I just want them to win laurels for the country. I don't mind, if our athletes give their 100 percent and fail to win gold medals, but it hurts, when we see such sharp decline, when it comes to winning medals at even regional events,' she added.

Dr Fahmida said: 'The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) must come up with clear plans. The POA has to ensure merit and promote only genuine federations and officials as it will help Pakistan sports flourish. During my meeting with the POA President, I...