LAHORE, July 11 (Online): Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Lt Gen (retd) Arif Hasan has said that there is dire need to resume sports activities in the country. Gen Arif said this while talking to the journalists during a video conference here. “The government should allow opening of certain facilities subject to certain conditions in which social distancing would be mandatory. Sports like golf, tennis singles, table tennis singles, archery, and other non-contact sports can easily be played. The online competitions, however, will continue. We also appreciate the efforts of the national federations, which held online activities to engage their athletes and officials.” About COVID-19 impact, the POA chief said: “Its impact on us is no different. However, our appreciation to the federations, which took advantage of the available technology and kept on organising online activities. Taekwondo, karate, boxing, volleyball, wushu, baseball and handball devised online competitions and fitness programmes for their athletes, and they also deserve due appreciation in this regard. Hopefully, they will continue such activities to keep the athletes busy and active.” Gen Arif said that the POA celebrated the ‘Olympic Day’ by taking part in the IOC-endorsed online fitness programme. “It must be mentioned here that … Continue reading President of Pakistan Olympic Association calls for resumption of sports activities