The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) is poised to make a mark at the upcoming Asian Games, as they have meticulously curated a contingent of 262 athletes and officials set to compete in Hangzhou, China –starting September 23, 2023.
Before the finalization of the contingent, a provisional list featuring 280 athletes and officials, along with 14 additional contingent officials, was submitted to the Asian Games Organizing Committee for approval.
Pakistan's largest representation in the Asian Games will be in Cricket, with 39 players and officials ready to make their mark in both men's and women's competitions.
Following closely is Athletics, which will have 22 representatives participating in various disciplines. Hockey, a sport close to the nation's heart, will see 21 members donning Pakistan's colors in the 2023 Asian Games.
The journey to the Asian Games for Pakistani athletes begins soon, with the first batch comprising Sailing and Volleyball players and officials scheduled to arrive in Hangzhou on September 15.
This impressive assembly comprises 137 male and 53 female athletes, bolstered by a support team of 72 officials. However, it is noteworthy that Pakistan will participate in 24 sports, as their E-sport team decided to withdraw from the competition.
The withdrawal of the E-sport team was an unexpected twist in Pakistan's preparations for the Asian Games.
An official from the POA confirmed that the decision was not financially motivated, dispelling any notions of financial constraints. Rather, it stemmed from an internal issue within the team.
One of the team members expressed their inability to participate in the Asian Games, which led to the team's inability to field a complete squad for the event. Pakistan's E-sport dreams, once buoyed by a 12-member squad, now have to be deferred to a later date.
In addition to the E-sport team, the Fencing team faced a similar setback. Due to the challenge of securing sponsors, five athletes and two officials withdrew from the Asian Games.
Consequently, Pakistan will now be represented by only one athlete in Fencing, with Mujadid Awan.
Further complicating matters, Taekwondo saw a change in its lineup. Najia Rasool, initially designated as the official accompanying the Taekwondo squad, was withdrawn. This decision followed an unfortunate injury that befell athlete Fatima, rendering her unfit to compete at the Asian Games.
In a surprising move, several prominent figures in Pakistani sports were also removed from the final squad list.
