After 19 years, Lt Gen (r) Arif Hasan quits as president of Pakistan Olympic Association

KARACHI: After 19 years, Lt Gen (retd) Syed Arif Hasan has officially resigned from his role as the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) citing health concerns.

Confirming his decision to Geo News, Arif Hasan expressed the necessity to step down from his position, citing health issues as the primary factor.

“Totally legit,” Arif said when this correspondent asked if the letter of resignation is true. Arif is in USA for the last many days for his treatment.  

The resignation is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, as announced by Hasan. This development marks the end of his longstanding association with the POA.

Having served as the president for an impressive 19 years, the POA boss has been a prominent figure in the Pakistani sports community. He was initially elected to the position in March 2004, and his tenure has seen various developments and achievements.

Arif Hassan, who was first named as head of organising committee of South Asian Games in 2002 was first elected to the office of POA in 2004. He was then elected for next four consecutive terms. 

Arif was usually criticised by politicians and fans for Pakistan’s medals drought in Olympics. Most recently, a senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal posted a critical post on social media targeting Arif Hassan. 

However, the POA and Arif Hassan had always maintained that it was PSB’s job to provide infrastructure and training facilities to athletes.