Arif Saeed Elected to Revitalize Pakistan Olympic Association

Arif Saeed has been elected president of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) for the 2025-2029 term, succeeding Lt. General (retd) Arif Hasan. Hasan resigned after a long tenure marked by clashes with sports authorities. The new leadership includes Khalid Mahmood and Ahmar Malik as secretary general and treasurer, respectively.

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has elected Arif Saeed as its new president for the 2025-2029 term. Saeed's election comes after the resignation of Lt. General (retd) Arif Hasan, who led the association from 2004 to 2024, following Wajid Ali Shah's leadership.

Arif Hasan, a significant figure in Pakistan's sports administration, faced several controversies during his tenure, particularly with the Pakistan Sports Board and the Ministry of Sports. Notably, his leadership witnessed the creation of a parallel POA backed by the PSB, which ultimately did not secure IOC recognition.

Arif Saeed, who enters the POA with experience from his role in the Pakistan Rugby Union, aims to steer the organization forward. Under his leadership, Khalid Mahmood continues as secretary general while Ahmar Malik takes on the role of treasurer. This leadership shuffle coincides with a historic year as Pakistan won its first Olympic gold in 40 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)