165 members granted NOCs for Asian Games

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has cleared 165 athletes and officials for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) issuing the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) as preparations gather pace for the continental sporting spectacle.

According to sources, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has already announced a 234-member contingent for the Games, meaning NOCs for the remaining members are still pending.

The development comes just days before Pakistan’s teams begin travelling to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where the Asian Games will officially open on September 19. However, several competitions are scheduled to begin as early as September 17.

Pakistan’s kabaddi team is scheduled to leave Islamabad for Aichi-Nagoya on September 14. The national hockey team is also expected to reach the host region on the same day after travelling from South Korea.

The women’s cricket team is scheduled to depart from Dubai for Japan on September 14 as well.

Sources said the PSB has so far issued NOCs only to federations affiliated with the board and athletes receiving financial assistance from it. Athletes representing federations that are not currently affiliated with the PSB, as well as those participating at their own expense, have yet to receive their NOCs.

POA Secretary Khalid Mahmood said the PSB is covering the expenses of 93 athletes and officials, while the remaining members of the contingent will participate with financial support from their respective federations and the POA.

The difference between the announced contingent and the number of NOCs issued has added an administrative dimension to Pakistan’s final preparations, although officials continue to work toward completing the process before the teams travel.

Pakistan will enter the Asian Games with medal hopes across several disciplines. Athletics, shooting, hockey, cricket and wushu are among the sports where the country is expected to have its strongest medal prospects.

With travel plans already taking shape and some events beginning before the opening ceremony, Pakistan’s athletes are now moving into the final phase of preparation. The focus will be on completing administrative clearances while ensuring the contingent reaches Japan in time for its respective competitions.

For Pakistan, the Aichi-Nagoya Games represent another opportunity to make an impact on the Asian sporting stage, with athletes across multiple disciplines aiming to turn their preparations into medals.