190 athletes to represent Pakistan at upcoming Asian Games

A 190-strong Pakistan side along with a total squad of 72 officials will represent the country at the upcoming 19th Asian Games being held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23, 2023.

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) announced the finalized contingent of 262 athletes and officials for the Asian Games to compete in 24 sports. Pakistan will be represented by 137 men and 53 women athletes. The games will be start from September 23 and conclude on October 8.

The games were originally scheduled for September 2022 but due to COVID-19, it were postponed.

Pakistan Rowing Federation President Hamdan Nazir, who is also the VP of Railways Sports Board, will lead the Pakistan side as chef de mission. Whereas, Munir Ahmed is named deputy chef de mission.

Pakistan was to compete in 25 sports competitions, however, the E-sport team withdrew from the games. The E-sports team withdrew due to the inability of one of their team members to participate in the games. The E-sports team consisted of 12 members. Pakistan’s Fencing team also withdrew from the competition as they could not find sponsors for the event.

Cricket will have the highest number of athletic competitors from Pakistan as a 39-member contingent will represent the country in men’s and women’s competitions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that all-rounder Qasim Akram would lead the Pakistan Shaheens in the 19th Asian Games.

The second highest number of representatives from Pakistan include 22 players and officials for athletics and Hockey is closely following with 21 members for the Asian Games.

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Pakistan hopes that Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem will be able to score a gold this year as he has returned with a silver medal at the World Athletics Championship last month.

Pakistan will not participate in Judo, Equestrian, Baseball, Football, and Gymnastics due to financial constraints of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), as well as E-sports and Fencing.

The first batch of athletes from Pakistan will arrive in China today (September 15).