By WorldSpokesperson News Desk
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 165 athletes and officials for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The development clears the way for the approved members to travel and represent Pakistan at the continental event.
The 20th Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4. Pakistan will compete across 23 sports, according to the Pakistan Olympic Association.
Kabaddi and Hockey Teams Set to Travel
According to sources, Pakistan’s kabaddi team will leave Islamabad for Aichi-Nagoya on September 14.
The national hockey team is also expected to reach Aichi-Nagoya on September 14. The hockey squad will travel from South Korea.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team is scheduled to travel from Dubai on the same day.
The women’s cricket event will begin before the official opening ceremony. Pakistan will face Thailand in the quarter-finals on September 17. The semi-finals will take place on September 20, followed by the medal matches on September 22.
NOCs Linked to Federation Status
Sources said the PSB has issued NOCs to federations affiliated with the board.
The approvals also cover athletes receiving financial support from the PSB.
However, some athletes have not yet received NOCs. These athletes belong to federations that have not completed affiliation with the PSB.
Some of them are also expected to compete with financial support from their own federations or other sources.
Pakistan Olympic Association Secretary Khalid Mahmood said the PSB is covering the expenses of 93 athletes and officials.
The remaining members will participate with support from their respective federations and the POA.
Pakistan Sends Large Asian Games Contingent
The Pakistan Olympic Association has finalised a large contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
The latest POA information lists 246 members, including athletes, officials and contingent officials. Pakistan will compete in 23 sports.
The teams will travel in different groups based on their competition schedules. They will arrive in Japan according to their confirmed travel plans.
Opening Ceremony on September 19
The Asian Games opening ceremony will take place on September 19.
However, several competitions will begin before the ceremony. The women’s cricket tournament, for example, starts on September 17.
Pakistan’s men’s cricket competition will begin on September 24. The Pakistan Cricket Board has selected a 15-member squad led by Sahibzada Farhan.
Pakistan Targets Medals in Key Sports
Pakistan expects strong medal chances in several disciplines.
Athletics, shooting, hockey, cricket and wushu are among the sports where the country hopes to compete for medals.
Pakistan’s previous Asian Games record also shows medal success in cricket, hockey, kabaddi, boxing and wushu.
With the Games approaching, the remaining NOC and travel arrangements will determine the final composition of Pakistan’s participating teams.
