Asian Games 2026 — Pakistan offers limited financial assistance to contingent; Self-help medallists to be compensated

Arshad Nadeem, of Pakistan, who recently took part in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, will feature in the Asian Games 2026. | Photo Credit: AP

The state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is providing financial assistance to only 93 athletes and officials in Pakistan’s 248-member Asian Games 2026 contingent.

Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) secretary, Khalid Mahmood said 155 athletes and officials will have their expenses borne by the respective Federations and the POA, and some athletes are travelling on a self-finance basis.

“If the athletes and officials going on a self-help basis win medals, they will be compensated on returning home,” he said.

Mahmood also made it clear that the Pakistan men’s and women’s cricket squads were sponsored by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

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According to Mahmood, POA senior vice-president Fatima Lakhani will serve as the Chef de Mission for the contingent.

He was confident that Pakistan can fetch medals in athletics, kabaddi, men’s and women’s cricket, squash, shooting, hockey, volleyball, and boxing.

He added that Pakistan will compete in 23 disciplines, with female athletes participating in 14 of them.

He further stated that if an athlete participating on a self-finance basis wins a medal, they should receive government cash awards.

Mahmood added that national athletes are also receiving anti-doping lectures at a special workshop being conducted for the Asian Games in order to avoid any embarrassing incidents during the Games.