At the occasion of Quaid-i-Azam’s birth anniversary, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) celebrates the momentous moment of birth of the Father of the Nation. “This is not merely remembering him rhetorically, but the POA quite seriously cherishes the values and ideals of the Quaid, especially those enunciated with regards to democracy and nurturing a vibrant sporting culture”, said the President POA, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Arif Hasan, HI(M).
Today we pay the Quaid a special tribute, by recalling Quaid-i-Azam’s message to the first Pakistan National Games [then called Pakistan Olympic Games], and his various sayings and speeches on the importance of sport and other views and pronouncements.
“This is only appropriate that at the auspicious convergence of the Quaid’s birth anniversary falling in the middle of the Games that he initiated in those extremely demanding immediate post-Independence period, that we collectively recall his person and his vision”, said the President POA.
A keen sportsman himself in his prime, the Quaid actively took part in cricket and golf, and in billiards till very late in his life, until he was thoroughly consumed by the political struggle for Independence.
“His vision guides us today, when as he had warned, our ‘path is calculatingly cluttered’ [Quaid’s words] by some egos and considerations that are petty and narrow. We, the Olympic family, are trying our best to rise above ourselves and put our best foot forward. The organization of the ongoing National Games 2012 is a living example, a clear manifestation of that resolve.
“Let us follow the Quaid’s vision in all walks of life, a most cardinal part of which should be put on his philosophy on youth. Today let us resolve to follow the Quaid’s vision and work towards the attainment of his objectives. Let it not be said we could not prove equal to the task,” the POA President concluded.
