Asian Youth Games: PSB may allow privately sponsored athletes to compete

Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is likely to review its decision barring athletes, who are sponsored privately rather than by the state, from participating in the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain to be held later this month.

"Yes, we are hopeful that the Board will reverse its decision as there is no justification for it," a well-placed source told Nukta.

On October 7, the PSB issued an official letter to all national sports federations stating that it would sponsor a 53-member contingent for the Games. The Board also noted that some federations were attempting to send athletes on a self-sponsored basis without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state.

“It is clarified that such participation will not be recognized as an official representation of Pakistan and carries no merit or standing,” the letter stated.

The PSB further emphasized that under its 2022 Constitution, no athlete or team from any national sports federation, organization, association, or club is permitted to travel abroad without prior approval and an NOC from the Board.

“Additionally, the Pakistan Names and Emblems Act 1957 prohibits the use of the national flag or emblem without prior approval from the federal government. The PSB is the authorized body to permit sports teams to officially represent Pakistan at international events,” the letter explained.

A senior official of a national federation criticized the PSB's stance, calling it unjustifiable.

“How can athletes who are not funded by the PSB be excluded from representing the country?” the official questioned while speaking to this correspondent.

The PSB is currently sponsoring a 53-member contingent comprising athletes and officials. If the Board reverses its decision, the contingent’s strength could rise to 95.

Rana Mashood, Prime Minister Youth Programme head, will serve as the chef de mission for the contingent while PSB Assistant Director for National Federations Mohammad Waqar Ahmed, will accompany the team as treasurer and administrative official.

Pakistan is set to compete in athletics, badminton, jujitsu, kabaddi, swimming, taekwondo, volleyball, and wrestling at the Games as the official statistics of the PSB but if things go in the right direction then the strength will swell.

Meanwhile, after confirming final entries on August 26, several countries have begun reviewing their squads, with some considering athlete withdrawals. In response, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) issued a strong advisory warning against such actions.

“In recent days, the OCA and the Bahrain Youth Games Organizing Committee have received numerous requests for athlete withdrawals. As you are aware, the draws and schedules have been finalized, and accommodation for athletes has already been arranged and paid for,” the OCA stated.

“I would therefore like to inform you that any further withdrawals will be subject to penalties imposed by the OCA Executive Committee. Moreover, any late athlete replacements must be supported by a valid medical certificate and the required form; only then will the OCA accept the change,” read a letter from OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Kumar Tiwari.

A handful of PSB senior officials including Director General Yasir Pirzada were contacted for official comment but they did not pick calls.