Pakistan Olympic chief confident Games 'in very safe hands'

The president of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Syed Arif Hasan, expects the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics to be an event par excellence.

In less than four months, Beijing will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, which Hasan described as "a great achievement" in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Hasan participated in the torch relay of Beijing 2008 in Pakistan before leading the Pakistan delegation to the Games. He said that the sporting gala was wonderfully organized by the Chinese people, and his experience of that event filled him confidence that "the Winter Games will be a wonderful experience" for spectators, and athletes from all around the world.

"Beijing looked so festive, especially the way it utilized the great history of China, and showcased everything so beautifully," he said of the 2008 Games.

"I witnessed the opening ceremony, and I cannot express how good it was. And that is why I said, we know that the organizing committee of the Winter Olympics will also have many surprises in store for us. We are really looking forward to it."

Hasan backed China to successfully negotiate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, saying of Beijing 2022's preparations: "The Winter Olympics is in very safe hands and the way all the preparations are going, I am sure, these will again be one of the best Games. I personally feel that as far as we're concerned, we've got no concerns at all, because we've seen how everything is being organized. And I don't think anyone should have any concerns.

"I have no qualms in saying the Winter Olympics will be very safe, and that all necessary precautions will be taken. And of course the rest of the people participating have to contribute toward maintaining the safety standards, to do our bit."

Pakistan's athletes are excited about the Winter Games, according to Hasan, who added they are "asking questions about Beijing and I told them they would enjoy their stay in China because it is an opportunity which they will remember all their life".

Speaking of the close links between Pakistan and China, the official said that during the 2008 opening ceremony "the moment our delegation marched in, it seemed as if we were walking within our own people who were cheering us and rooting for us－it was a fantastic feeling".

Hasan hopes to further enhance cooperation between Pakistan and China in sports, including assistance in regard to facilities and technical support which "will help in not just developing sports but also youth development in Pakistan".

Hasan noted that sports have the power to bring people together, which is what the world needs now amid COVID-19, so attempts to politicize sports during the Olympic Games should be avoided.

"Sports should be utilized for bringing people together which is also the new idea that has been added into the Olympic motto. And that is what we should be planning on. Politicization of sports should not take place. And I think the Winter Olympics will be a Games to be remembered," he said.

"It is going to be exciting. It is going to be fabulous. It is going to be fantastic.

"The Beijing Winter Olympics will also deliver a big message that we can fight all forms of epidemics or difficulties or hardships, and at least try to move in a particular direction together."

Xinhua