Pakistan Contingent for 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China
Lahore (MNP) The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) held a press briefing today to provide updates on Pakistan’s contingent for the upcoming 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
During the briefing, President POA discussed the details of the contingent, which includes personnel supported by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), National Federations (NFs), and POA. A comprehensive sports-wise list of the contingent was shared with the media and is attached.
Responding to inquiries about allegations of excluding athletes and officials from Athletics, President POA clarified that POA had not excluded anyone, if received within the timelines. Instead, PSB received and forwarded the names of athletes and officials for accreditation much after the given timelines set by the Organizing Committee i.e. 20th May, 2023. Similar complications arose in the sport of Hockey due to late changes in team composition which were not processed. POA has informed the Pakistan Hockey Federation that processing new accreditations beyond the established deadlines was not possible.
President POA emphasized the importance of adhering to timelines and assured that any accreditation request received within the stipulated time frame had been processed. He also mentioned that the matter regarding allegations of exclusion of athletes and coaches is now before the Honorable Court, and we will also submit the facts before the Honorable Court.
Addressing questions about the performance of athletes and officials, President POA stated that in the absence of a support structure for elite athletes in Pakistan, high expectations from the athletes would be unjustified. The Government of Pakistan has committed to improving national sports standards by establishing elite sports training facilities across Pakistan. In Pakistan, we are winning medals only due to the exceptional dedication and talent of athletes.
He informed the media friends that the POA has managed to train highly energetic professionals to support the strengthening of the internal governance of the sports organizations. “Our CDM for Asian Games is IOC-educated (MEMO Program) and is working along with other persons to add value to our governance structure” President POA.
President POA strongly denied that POA has prevented any sponsorship contract for Mr. Arshad Nadeem. This is very unfortunate as no one contacted us (POA) about such sponsorship agreement. It is not our domain to decide on athlete’s sponsorship contracts rather we can just assist them by sharing the necessary guidelines. We welcome anyone who has an interest in supporting athletes, NFs and event organization. POA recently had a very productive partnership with the DHA Lahore who have contributed a lot by extending support to POA and are now also facilitating National Sports Federations for organization of events.
