Pakistan’s participation uncertain for lack of funds

KARACHI: Cloud of uncertainty is hovering over Pakistan’s participation in the South Asian Karate Championship which will be held at the Sugathadasa Sports Complex in Colombo from August 3-6.

Pakistan Karate Federation (PKF) has got visas for its 24-member squad but is waiting for funds from the government. “Yes, we have got visas for 20 players and four officials and have completed all preparations. But the issue is that we have written to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for the NOC and grant but we have not got any reply from the Board,” a senior official of PKF told ‘The News’ on Monday.

The official said that the squad had 13 boys and seven girls. He said they would try to have a couple of junior players as well as there would also be events of cadets and juniors.When asked what the PKF would do if the Board did not release funds, the official said it would not be possible for the federation to send the squad to Colombo. “We have requested for a grant of Rs2.7 million. It’s huge. How can we manage such a big amount?” the official said.

He said that the PKF had told the PSB that every player of the touring party would win medal.He said that in the last event hosted by India, Pakistan fielded only 12 players because most of the members of the squad had not been issued visas but still the country managed 18 medals. Pakistan ended second in the competitions, he said.

“We have been the champions of the region as before the India event we were the champions,” the official said. Meanwhile, when a top official of the PSB was contacted, he said that the team would go to Colombo.

“The team will go to Colombo. In a couple of days we will know about first quarter of the new financial year. If we get the money which is expected to be released in the first quarter then we will give it to the PKF,” the official said.

“We support every federation in the regional games in particular. But federations also have obligations. As per constitution being NGOs they should also generate some funds. Some federations are generating money,” the Board official said.