Abid Qadri Gillani elected as interim POA chief

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Executive Committee on Sunday accepted the resignation of Lt General (retd) Syed Arif Hasan and elected Syed Mohammad Abid Qadri Gillani as president for interim period until the POA elections to be held in the last quarter of this year (2024).
However quite interestingly the POA senior vice-president Syed Aqil Shah, who chaired the meeting, did not accept the elections.
“These elections were totally illegal and uncalled for” Aqil Shah told this correspondent after the ExCo meeting attended by 25 members both virtually and physically.
“Election was not on the agenda and I was chairing the meeting and I did not say anything that the elections should be held. How you can go for elections when you have not notified the resignation acceptance,” Shah pointed out
Aqil strongly said that he is the POA president by virtue of being the senior vice-president of the POA.
Shah said that the election was not on the agenda and they only had to discuss the resignation letter of General Arif and the letter of the PSB.
The newly-elected president Gillani is a former DIG and chairman of Pakistan Handball Federation. He was also the vice-president of the POA.
Meanwhile POA said in it’s press release that
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 01st January 2024 till the forthcoming Elective General Council Meeting of POA scheduled in the last quarter of 2024.
“Out of 25 x members present in the meeting (14 x in person and 11 x on zoom) 23 x members casted their votes in favour of Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri Gillani,” the release said.
“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 x in person and 11 x on zoom) w.e.f 01-01-2024 and referred to the General Council for its ratification as laid down in the constitution of POA,” the release said.
“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 the 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,” it said.
“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, soon as he returns from the USA,” it added