In a significant development for Pakistan’s sports community, Arif Saeed, President of the Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU), and Khalid Mahmood, President of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF), are expected to be unanimously elected as the new President and Secretary of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). The elections are scheduled for December 30th in Lahore, with both candidates enjoying overwhelming support from the POA electoral college and key stakeholders.
A Unified Vision for Sports Leadership
Arif Saeed, a renowned figure in Pakistan’s sports and business circles, is set to take over as the President of POA. With a remarkable 25-year tenure leading the PRU, Arif has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sports development, often personally funding rugby operations in Pakistan. His leadership has also extended to cricket, serving as a member of the Interim Management Committees (IMC) of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf.
Endorsed by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Arif’s candidacy represents a potential breakthrough in resolving the longstanding tensions between the PSB and POA. His leadership aims to foster collaboration for the national interest and address critical challenges such as the contentious clause in the National Sports Policy limiting officials to two four-year terms—a clause that nearly led to POA’s suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2015.
Khalid Mahmood’s Continued Legacy
Khalid Mahmood is poised for his fourth consecutive term as POA Secretary. First elected in 2012 alongside then-president Lt Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, Khalid has skillfully navigated significant governance challenges, including the POA’s near-suspension by the IOC during disputes with the PSB. His re-election underscores widespread confidence in his ability to steer the organization toward stability and growth.
A New Era for the POA
The anticipated election of Arif Saeed and Khalid Mahmood signals a new chapter for the Pakistan Olympic Association, focusing on unity, collaboration, and long-term sports development. With the PSB’s backing and broad electoral support, their leadership is expected to enhance relations between key sports stakeholders, creating a stronger foundation for Pakistan’s representation on the global stage.
