In a formal communication, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has demanded a detailed explanation from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), calling into question the federation’s administrative conduct and decision-making. The PSB’s letter noted that the Iranian organisers had already made extensive non-refundable logistical arrangements—such as visa processing, hotel bookings, and local transportation—for seven top-tier Pakistani athletes and an accompanying team manager
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, APR 30 /DNA/ – The federal government has taken serious notice of the national athletics team’s abrupt withdrawal from the prestigious Imam Ali Reza Athletics Championship in Mashhad, Iran. Despite having been granted the necessary training facilities and a no-objection certificate (NOC), the team failed to travel at the last minute, prompting official scrutiny and backlash.
In a formal communication, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has demanded a detailed explanation from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), calling into question the federation’s administrative conduct and decision-making. The PSB’s letter noted that the Iranian organisers had already made extensive non-refundable logistical arrangements—such as visa processing, hotel bookings, and local transportation—for seven top-tier Pakistani athletes and an accompanying team manager.
The no-show has not only caused financial losses to the hosts but also significantly damaged Pakistan’s international sporting reputation. Moreover, it deprived Pakistan’s athletes of a critical opportunity to gain international exposure and test their preparedness against global competitors.
The PSB has directed the AFP to submit a comprehensive written response within three days, clarifying the reasons behind the withdrawal. The letter warned that such lapses would not be tolerated in the future and highlighted the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and professionalism within national sports federations.
Criticism is also mounting from within the sports community. Several observers and former athletes have labelled the move as evidence of poor governance and mismanagement within the AFP. Many believe the decision reflects a broader pattern of inefficiency and lack of strategic planning in Pakistan’s athletics administration.
The incident has sparked concern that if such issues persist, Pakistan’s standing in international athletics could further deteriorate. Athletes, who dedicate months of hard work and training for these opportunities, are increasingly demoralized by such administrative failures.
As the government looks to revamp the national sports structure, the Athletics Federation of Pakistan may now come under tighter scrutiny, with calls for reform growing louder from both athletes and stakeholders alike.=DNA
