Abid Qadri Gillani elected new POA president

ISLAMABAD: Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri Gillani, a former DIG, has been elected as the President of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) in place of Lt-Gen (R) Arif Hasan, who resigned from the post the other day.

Abid Qadri is the Chairman of Pakistan Handball Association and an active member of the POA family. The decision to elect Abid Qadri as the President of POA was taken at the Executive Committee meeting held on Sunday. It was presided over by Syed Aqil Shah, Senior Vice President of POA. As many as 25 members attended the meeting.

“The resignation of Lt-Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President POA, received vide his letter dated 28th December, 2023 was considered and deliberated by the committee. The resignation was accepted by 23 votes out of 25 members present (14 in person and 11 on zoom) w.e.f 01-01-2024 and referred to General Council for its ratification as laid down in the constitution of POA,” the committee handout says.

Aqil Shah, however, opposed the nomination and said since he was the SVP of POA, he should be given the charge as acting president till the time the General Council elects a new president. “I have the right to get elected as the President POA for an interim period.”

The Executive Committee extended its profound gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Lt-Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan for his “exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication in steering Pakistan’s Olympic movement” at national and international avenues in difficult times. “His guidance and vision have been instrumental in the movement’s success and growth. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements and milestones, reflecting his deep commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire and unite athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials alike, for Olympism. Lt-Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan’s legacy is evident in the tangible successes and the strengthened spirit of Olympism and unity he has fostered within the Olympic community of Pakistan. The committee decided to give a grand farewell to Lt-Gen (R) Arif Hasan in recognition of his distinguished services, as soon as he returns from the USA.”

As stipulated in the POA constitution, the vacancy of president POA was filled by the Executive Committee by electing Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri Gillani for the interim period -- from 1st January 2024 till the forthcoming Elective General Council meeting of the POA scheduled in the last quarter of 2024.