POA clarifies position on flag-bearer

KARACHI: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) on Saturday clarified its position regarding the flag-bearer of Pakistan at the march-past during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games which exploded into action on Saturday.

“It is being reported that there has been a last minute change in the flag bearer of the Pakistan contingent and that there are difference of opinion in the selection between the PSB and POA. This release is being issued to put the record straight,” the POA said a statement on Saturday.

“There are absolutely no differences between the POA and PSB. The final decision for the flag bearer was taken just yesterday and the CDM issued a press release in this regard. No announcement regarding the same was made prior to this and it was a surprise to learn that different names were being floated,” the release said.

“We once again reiterate that Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, shooter, was the flag bearer and that there were no two views between the POA and PSB,” the POA said.