Pakistan faces hefty fine over possible no-show at Asian Youth Games

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan could face a heavy financial penalty if all accredited athletes and officials failed to turn up for the Asian Youth Games, scheduled to begin in Bahrain on October 23.

In a stern reminder issued on Saturday (October 11), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) warned all participating nations, whose delegations have already been accredited and confirmed for the continental event, against any late withdrawals or non-participation.

According to the OCA letter, a copy of which is available with The News, all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that have submitted names and completed accreditation formalities are now contractually bound to ensure the physical presence of their athletes and officials at the Games. The council emphasised that any failure to comply could result in significant fines and potential suspension from future OCA events.

The communication highlights the financial and reputational implications of backing out at this late stage. The OCA underlined that massive logistical and hospitality arrangements have already been finalised by the Bahrain Asian Youth Games Organising Committee, with costs incurred for accommodation, transport, and facilities for every accredited athlete and official.

“Late withdrawal or failure to appear after accreditation confirmation will attract a substantial penalty as per OCA regulations,” the letter warns, reiterating the importance of honoring participation commitments to maintain the integrity and operational smoothness of the Games.

Sources within the OCA confirmed that Pakistan had forwarded the names of around 99 athletes and officials across multiple disciplines, including athletics, swimming, boxing, wrestling, and taekwondo, earlier this year. However, news emerging from Pakistan reveal funding and administrative problems, which could jeopardise the country’s participation.

The OCA letter says: “In the last few days the OCA and BAYGOC have received numerous requests for withdrawal of athletes. As you are aware the draws as well as the schedules have been completed. Moreover, the accommodation arrangements for the athletes have been made by BAYGOC and paid for.

“I would therefore like to inform you that henceforth going forward any withdrawals will be subject to penalty by the OCA Executive Board.

Moreover, if there is any Late Athlete Replacement (LAR), it should be accompanied by proper medical certificate and form, only then the OCA will accept it,” Deputy General OCA Vinod Kumar Tiwari said in his letter.

Now when all the athlete have applied for accreditation, any last-minute pullout could not only damage Pakistan’s sporting reputation but also result in a fine running into thousands of dollars.

The Asian Youth Games, a key developmental platform for emerging athletes under 18, will see participation from over 40 nations across Asia. The event aims to prepare young talent for future editions of the Asian Games and Olympic competitions.

With the countdown to the Games already underway, Pakistan’s sports authorities face an urgent race against time, to remove financial hurdles, finalize travel logistics, and ensure that the country’s young athletes take their rightful place on the continental stage rather than facing embarrassment and penalties off it.