Pak Chef de mission, weightlifter still fighting over ‘CWG flag-carrying controversy’

LAHORE - The ‘Pakistan flag-carrying controversy’ refuses to die down, as the chef de mission of the Pakistan contingent in the Commonwealth Games, Muhammad Ali Shah, and top weightlifter Shuja Malik have been indulging in a blame-game over the infamous issue after returning home.

The two were involved in a tussle shown live on television at the opening ceremony of the Games in New Delhi on October 4, over who would carry the Pakistani flag at the march past, the Daily Times reported.

Shah snatched the flag from celebrated former gold medal weightlifter, Shujauddin Malik and led the team parade, following which Pakistani weightlifters threatened to pull out of the Delhi Games.

Back in Pakistan, Shuja told the media, “I was very much disturbed by the incident. It had been decided before the ceremony I would carry the flag since I won a gold medal in the last games.”

“But Dr Shah behaved badly and I only tolerated it because of his age. I hope God punishes him for his behaviour,” he added.

But Shah claimed that there was no prior agreement on who would carry the flag. “Shuja is telling lies. He is trying to cover up his poor performance with lame excuses. The fact is he went to New Delhi unprepared and unfit and should not have been in the contingent,” he said.

“The injury he suffered was God’s punishment on him for telling lies about the incident at the opening ceremony,” he added.

Shuja, who had pulled out of the event because of a side strain, has threatened to take legal action against Dr Shah soon. “I will see he is punished,” he said.

Shah, however, maintained that anyone in the contingent had the right to carry the flag, and if he got the opportunity he would do it again.

Meanwhile, as the Prime Minister had ordered an inquiry into the incident, the Sports Secretary is due to submit his findings on returning home. (ANI)