POA raises concerns over new tenure rule: Autonomy of Pakistan's Olympic Movement at risk

The General Council of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has warned that the recent measures proposed by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), if implemented, would undermine the autonomy of the Olympic Movement in Pakistan.

Tensions escalated recently when PSB introduced the NSF Tenure Rules 2025 which prohibit federations from electing chairmen, CEOs, or equivalent positions. Federations were instructed to amend their constitutions within 90 days to align with the new rules. The proposed rules designate the president as the highest authority within a federation and limit officials to a maximum of two four-year terms in the same position. Furthermore, any individual who has served in a top role would be ineligible for a subordinate position. The maximum age limit for federation officials has also been set at 70.

The Government of Pakistan had signed an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2014 in Lausanne, under which it committed to refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of sports federations and governing bodies.

Serious repercussions

The council warned that such actions could have serious repercussions for the country’s athletes, its ability to host international events, and its global sporting reputation.

“In its deliberations on governance matters the Council reiterated the imperative of aligning national sports governance with the Olympic Charter and the statutes of International Federations (IFs) noting that relevant advisories from the IOC and OCA already shared with the PSB remain unimplemented,” the POA stated following its General Council meeting in Lahore.

The POA warned that certain PSB initiatives, if enforced in their current form, would place the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Sports Federations (NSFs) in direct violation of their binding commitments under the Olympic Charter and IF statutes.

“Such a scenario would erode the autonomy of the Olympic Movement in Pakistan and, if left unaddressed, could result in grave consequences for the nation's athletes, its hosting rights, and its international standing,” it added.

The Council made it clear that it cannot accept or implement any regulation, directive, or decision that contravenes the Olympic Charter or the constitutions of the IFs, NSFs, or the NOC. It emphasized that matters such as elections, constitutional amendments, dispute resolution, disciplinary actions, and the appointment or removal of officials fall solely within the jurisdiction of the NSF General Assemblies, as recognized by the statutes of the Olympic Movement.

“The house resolved to fully apprise the IOC and OCA of the current situation and to seek their guidance to protect the autonomy that the Government of Pakistan pledged to uphold in its 2014 assurance to the IOC, OCA, and POA. The Council reaffirmed that the Olympic Movement in Pakistan will continue to operate strictly within the framework of the Olympic Charter and relevant statutes and will not recognize any external intervention that violates or contradicts these principles,” it said.

To this end, the Council authorized POA President Arif Saeed to meet with the Prime Minister and other relevant stakeholders in order to secure a resolution that safeguards the interests of Pakistan’s athletes, ensures full compliance with the Olympic Charter and maintains the country’s international sporting commitments.

“This step is essential to ensure Pakistan's continued presence in the global sporting community and the raising of the national flag at international sports arenas,” the statement said.

The POA members also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with the Government, while steadfastly preserving the autonomy of the Olympic Movement in Pakistan and adhering to the governing statutes of the NOC and its member organizations.

Inaugural National Youth Games

Meanwhile, the Council also reviewed key developments in Pakistan’s sports landscape, including preparations for several major events: the inaugural National Youth Games, the 35th National Games 2025, the 14th South Asian Games 2026 (to be hosted by Pakistan), the 3rd Asian Youth Games Bahrain 2025, and the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025.

The Council received a detailed briefing on the concept, programming, and organizational plans for the First National Youth Games. It was highlighted that the Youth Games represent more than just a multi-sport event for young athletes—they are part of a broader, tiered development framework aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level, with the goal of elevating athletes to international competition and medal contention.

The house praised POA President Arif Saeed for spearheading the initiative and establishing the National Youth Games Council (NYGC), chaired by Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan. A notable feature of the NYGC is the inclusion of prominent corporate sector representatives, creating opportunities for direct engagement between business leaders and youth sports development efforts.

The Council also appreciated the proactive involvement of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) and the productive meetings held with the PMYP, the Ministry of IPC, and the PSB to ensure the success of the Youth Games.

It was further confirmed that the National Games 2025 will be held in Karachi from December 6–13, 2025. On May 8, 2025, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met with a POA delegation led by President Arif Saeed and assured that the Sindh Government would extend its full support to ensure the best possible arrangements for the Games.

The Council also noted steady progress in preparations for hosting the 14th South Asian Games and for Pakistan’s participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games (Bahrain 2025) and the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games (Riyadh 2025), with ongoing coordination and operational activities continuing to ensure Pakistan’s readiness.