Pakistan eye medals in 6–7 events at Asian Games, POA says

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is heading into the Asian Games with cautious optimism, with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) expecting the country to challenge for medals in six to seven events at the upcoming Games in Japan.

POA Secretary Khalid Mahmood said a 248-member Pakistani contingent is expected to participate, with athletes and officials set to compete across 23 disciplines. Women athletes will feature in 14 of those disciplines, reflecting a broader participation of Pakistani women in the continental competition.

Mahmood identified athletics, kabaddi, men’s and women’s cricket, squash, shooting, hockey, volleyball and boxing among the sports in which Pakistan has realistic medal hopes.

The expectation comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s recent Asian Games performances, where sports such as squash, kabaddi and shooting have contributed to the country’s medal tally. Official Pakistan Sports Board records show Pakistan won medals in squash, kabaddi and shooting at the 2018 Asian Games.

According to Mahmood, the Pakistan Sports Board will cover expenses for 93 athletes and officials, while the remaining 155 members will have their costs covered by their respective federations, the POA and through self-financing arrangements.

He said athletes participating through their own resources should also receive government prize money if they succeed in winning medals.

Senior POA Vice President Fatima Lakhan will serve as chief de mission of the Pakistani contingent.

The POA secretary also said preparations include a strong focus on anti-doping awareness. National athletes are being given lectures and workshops, while anti-doping seminars are conducted three times a year.

The upcoming Games will therefore be about more than medals for Pakistan. For many athletes competing with limited resources, the event represents an opportunity to prove themselves on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.

Mahmood said invitations had been extended to the President, Prime Minister and Sports Minister to attend the Games, although their participation had not yet been confirmed.

As Pakistan finalises its contingent, expectations will be high around its traditional medal hopefuls—and whether the country can turn its six-to-seven-event target into a meaningful medal haul.