PSB clears Pakistan squad for Bahrain Games

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) issued the long-awaited No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to all affiliated federations, clearing the way for Pakistan’s full contingent to participate in the ongoing Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bahrain.

After weeks of uncertainty, confusion, and administrative wrangling, the air has finally cleared. The Pakistan contingent’s strength has now swelled to around 80 members, with a few more expected to reach in the coming days, bringing the total to 93 athletes and officials.

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) officials, already in Bahrain to oversee the country’s participation, are not counted among the contingent. When including POA and mission staff, Pakistan’s total presence in Bahrain crosses 100 members, making it one of the largest overseas gatherings for Pakistan sports in recent months.

On Friday, the PSB issued fresh NOCs to 18 more athletes and officials, including those from judo, golf, badminton, taekwondo, and swimming. Interestingly, even boxing team members, whose federation is not affiliated with the PSB, have managed to reach Bahrain and are set to represent the country in the competition. In addition, volleyball team officials whose documents were previously withheld have also landed in Bahrain.

“The overall strength of the contingent has reached around 80 now, with a few more expected to arrive within the next couple of days. Some athletes have already completed their events and returned home,” said a senior National Olympic Committee official when contacted by The News.

Initially, the PSB had approved a 53-member contingent, while the POA, the body recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia, had finalised a 98-member squad. The tug-of-war between the two bodies caused confusion, with many athletes uncertain whether they would be allowed to compete.

However, the stalemate was finally resolved through the intervention of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Division, which directed the PSB to issue NOCs to all accredited athletes.

“Sanity finally prevailed with the timely intervention of the IPC Division. All those who were accredited for the Games are now in Bahrain, which is great news for Pakistan’s sports. The credit goes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who stood by the genuine athletes and ensured that no deserving player was denied participation,” the official added.

For once, the focus can return to performance rather than paperwork as Pakistani athletes now aim to make their presence felt on the continental stage in judo, taekwondo, volleyball, boxing, swimming, and golf.