NCOC approached to get Iranian coach exempted from quarantine

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) has sought exemption for Iranian high-profile coach Rahman Mohammadi from quarantine and other traveling restrictions in place for the Covid-19 worst-hit countries.

PVF Chairman Ch Yaqoob told ‘The News’ that a request has been sent to the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) for exemption from all the restrictions in place for the countries falling in the Covid-19 category C list. Since Iran is one such country, special permission is needed for such exemption from all the restrictions in place for the citizens reaching Pakistan from these countries.

“Mohammadi should have been here at the moment as he was supposed to reach by June 21 but we are facing considerable problems in his traveling from Iran to Pakistan. No direct flight is available for Pakistan so we have made all the arrangements for his traveling via Qatar and UAE but we haven’t been able to make the final arrangements because of multiple restrictions for Iranian nationals.

“We are also facing problems here in Pakistan and have requested the NCOC to exempt him from restrictions, enabling the coach to join the camp in POF Wah. “Now Mohammadi is supposed to reach Pakistan on June 24 but more importantly his traveling plan requires clearance from the NOC from NCOC after which we can say anything final.”

Yaqoob added that the traveling plan of the coach has been submitted with the NCOC. “Now we are waiting for the NOC allowing Mohammadi to reach Pakistan on June 24. We are also in touch with our traveling agent regarding his safe travel to Pakistan.”

Camp’s probables are busy in training for the Asian championship scheduled to be held in Japan in September. Pakistan is one of the leading Asian volleyball-playing countries and considering the importance of the event and preparations for the 14th South Asian Games to be held in Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has offered to provide services of an expert coach to the PVF.

Mohammadi’s hiring was made possible following the recent visit of Ch Yaqoob to the PSB. It is believed that the government will provide $5,000 per month to the PVF as coach’s salary till the time South Asian Games conclude.

Yaqoob said that the efforts were underway to provide the international match practice to Pakistan team probables ahead of the Asian meet. “We are considering different options these days and one is to arrange a small tour to Qatar or any other country to play a few practice matches before team’s departure to Japan.”

When asked whether Japan will be in a position to hold the event, he said it would largely depend on the success of the Olympics. “The success of the Olympics would go a long way in getting a go-ahead to organise the event. Hopefully, things would be in better shape by September.”