LAHORE – Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan Thursday praised Prime Minister Imran Khan for assuring his all-out support for the South Asian Games (SAG) 2021. “The premier has asked the country to put up a good performance in the Games and to work on developing a positive image of Pakistan to the world,” said Arif Hasan. Earlier on Monday, PM Imran Khan directed the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) to start the preparations for the 14th edition of SAG to be hosted by Pakistan later this year. In a high-level meeting, the PM was briefed by the POA and IPC regarding future of South Asian Games. The POA chief was satisfied with the meeting. “Talking to PM regarding the upcoming South Asian Games was encouraging. He was given a detailed briefing on the venues, dates and modalities of the Games,” he said added that the proposal to hold Games in Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Islamabad is appreciated. “Talks will be held with IPC Minister Fehmida Mirza next week and that government will not be overburdened as they are planning to cover majority of the expenses by awarding media rights and sponsorships.”
