Sports can't progress without funds, govt support: Ijaz.

Byline: Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) secretary Ijaz Ur Rehman has lashed out at current government, terming its policies as anti-sports.

In an interview with The Nation, Ijaz, who is a professional bowler and has represented the country in countless international events, besides winning national championships for record times, said: 'It was hoped that Prime Minister Imran Khan, who won cricket world cup for Pakistan, would understand how much sports play crucial role in building the character of the youth and sports fraternity.

'We had pinned great hopes in PTI government, but in last 8 months or so, Pakistani sports have witnessed the worst ever period, as there are no funds for last one year. How on earth the federations can fulfill their national obligation without funds and without government interest,' he added.

He said: 'I have been running form pillar to post for last 5 years and requested former IPC Minister Mian Riaz Hussian Pirzada and former DG PSB Akhtar Ganjera to sign a joint venture with the PTBF. All matter was discussed and approved by the PSB executive committee as well, but despite the lapse of more than 5 years, nothing on ground was done.

'If the PSB had paid heed towards my suggestions and three PCI-I, I had tabled with the PSB, today the things would have been completely different and the PSB would have generated sufficient amount of funds instead of relying on government funds, which they could distribute among 39 affiliated federations,' he added. The PTBF Secretary said: 'I can challenge that the PTBF is the only federation in Pakistan, which organised different events round the year, conducted training programmes and also held women and kids tournaments. It is not only done in Islamabad but also in other major cities of the country and without a single penny's support from the PSB and government.

'Yap Rogers, the Singaporean tenpin bowling organiser, will arrive on May 25 on the invitation of PTBF to discuss holding international bowling event in Pakistan. I once again request IPC Minister Dr Fahmida Mirza to spare sometime and invite genuine federations, who are working to win medals and international laurels for the country.

'Without her personal interest, the things would further aggravate and already sheer depression has put athletes in the houses. If such situation further continues, I am...