The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) approved a 53-member contingent for the 3rd Asian Youth Games. The event will be held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31. The approval came after clearances from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Interior’s final clearance is still awaited before departure.
The athletes will compete in eight sports: athletics, badminton, ju-jitsu, kabaddi, swimming, taekwondo, volleyball, and wrestling. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, will lead the team as chef de mission. The selection of athletes was based strictly on merit.
PSB’s Director General Yasir Pirzada emphasized ending the practice of self-sponsorship. Previously, some athletes joined international events without meeting performance criteria. The PSB now focuses solely on talented athletes who earned their spots through skill and hard work.
A PSB spokesperson stated that this team represents Pakistan’s pure sporting talent. They highlighted that athletes won their places by performance, not through privilege or personal wealth. This new approach aims to bring genuine glory to Pakistan on the international stage.
In conclusion, Pakistan is set to send a strong, merit-based team to the Asian Youth Games. The focus remains on developing young talent and improving Pakistan’s sporting reputation globally. The games will provide an important platform for these athletes to shine.