Eye on Shiv Sena, Pakistan raises concerns ahead of SAF Games
Citing recent protests by the Shiv Sena against Pakistanis in India, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has raised concerns over security during the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games scheduled to be held in Guwahati and Shillong in February next year.
The POA, which is yet to commit to take part in the multi-discipline event, has demanded “full protocol and respect” if they travel for the Games.
POA secretary general Khalid Mahmood is learnt to have brought up the issue with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees in Washington on October 29 and 30.
Sources said representatives of five Pakistani sports federations had expressed reservations about participation in the Games after the Shiv Sena’s threats last month resulted in umpire Aleem Dar and commentators Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar returning to Pakistan in middle of the ODI series between India and South Africa over concerns for their security. Sena activists had stormed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai and threatened to prevent Dar from officiating in the October 25 ODI.
Pakistan is likely to raise the issue of SAF Games again during a meeting of the Games ambassadors in New Delhi on December 1 and may send a delegation to review the security measures in January. It will take a call in consultation with the Pakistani government only if satisfied with the arrangements.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Rajiv Mehta said they have assured the POA of foolproof security. “We have given them a guarantee that they won’t face any problem when they travel for the SAF Games. If they want to send a team to look at the security measures, we have no problem with that,” Mehta said.
The Pakistani sports federations that had expressed unwillingness to participate in the SAF Games include the Pakistan Wrestling Federation, Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, Pakistan Cycling Federation and Pakistan Wushu Federation.
“Recent incidents have made them apprehensive. They feel the increasing number of protests against Pakistani nationals in India did not create an ideal atmosphere for them to participate in the SAF Games. The IOA has given them assurances. Even though they have been attending all the meetings, Pakistan is yet to confirm their participation,” a source said.
Postponed multiple times earlier due to logistical, scheduling and infrastructural issues, the Games are scheduled from February 6 to 16.
Around 4,000 athletes are expected to take part in 23 disciplines. Apart from India and Pakistan, participating countries include Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Maldives.
