Syed Arif Hasan
Syed Arif Hasan is a Pakistani former sports administrator and retired three-star rank general who served as the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association for over 20 years, a time period when the country did not win any medals. He was the chairman of organizing committee of 9th SAF Games Islamabad. Previously, he served as the managing director of Fauji Foundation from 2005 to 2008. He was also elected unopposed as the vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia in 2007.
In 2021, he was asked to step down by Shahbaz Gill the then Special Assistant to Imran Khan but Arif refused to do so.
Military career
As a Major General he served as Vice Chief of General Staff. In October 2001 he was promoted to rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed commander X corps, Rawalpindi. Later in September 2003 he was appointed commander I Corps, Mangla.2004 South Asian Games
While still serving in army Arif Hasan was appointed chairman of organizing committee of 9th SAF Games Islamabad. SAF Games were originally scheduled in Islamabad in October 2001 but were postponed over security fears after 9/11. They were then rescheduled for March 2002 but were again postponed due to border tensions between Pakistan and India. In March 2002 Pakistan was forced to cancel the event due to the war in Iraq.The Games were finally held in 2004.