As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Japan, the nation’s aspirations for medals appear increasingly fragile. Years of underinvestment in sports, coupled with late preparations and a lack of a sustained development program, have left the country facing significant challenges on the continental stage.
Historically, Pakistan has been a formidable competitor at the Asian Games, with athletics, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, squash, and hockey being traditional strongholds that frequently delivered medals. However, as neighboring countries have ramped up their investments in athlete development, Pakistan has struggled to secure adequate funding for elite training, nutrition, coaching, and international competition opportunities.
The decline in Pakistan's sports performance has been gradual yet persistent. At the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, the country managed to secure only three medals: a silver in team squash, a bronze in kabaddi, and a historic bronze in shooting by Kishmala Talat, marking Pakistan's first medal in shooting at the Asian Games. This performance starkly contrasts with the country’s more successful outings in previous years, such as the four bronze medals won in Jakarta in 2018 and a more robust showing in 2014 in Incheon, which included gold in cricket and silver in hockey.
Pakistan's recent struggles were also evident at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the nation could only muster a single bronze in boxing. With the Asian Games approaching, concerns are mounting about the team's preparedness, especially given that training camps began later than usual. The men’s cricket, squash, hockey teams, and javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem are viewed as the primary sources of medal hopes for the nation.
Arshad Nadeem, the Olympic champion and a bronze medalist from the 2018 Asian Games, is particularly under the spotlight as he returns from injury. His recent performance has raised questions about whether he can reclaim his top form in Japan. In squash, athletes Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal are expected to lead Pakistan's charge, with an eye on Olympic qualification for the 2028 Games.
Wrestling prospects seem limited, as the Asian Games will feature many of the world’s top wrestlers, while weightlifters are sidelined due to issues surrounding the federation's suspension. Wushu, once a strong discipline for Pakistan, has also seen a decline due to loss of talent and insufficient training facilities.
In boxing, female athlete Fatima Zehra, who made headlines with her Commonwealth Games bronze, faces a significant challenge in replicating that success at the Asian Games. Shooting may offer another potential surprise, with Talat joined by experienced competitors like Ghulam Mustafa Bashir and Col Farrukh Nadeem.
Hockey remains a traditional hope for Pakistan, despite tempered expectations following the team’s 11th place finish at the World Cup. The Pakistan Hockey Federation, however, remains optimistic about a podium finish and has organized a training camp along with a three-match series in South Korea ahead of the Games.
As Pakistan approaches the Asian Games, the event transcends mere medal aspirations. It represents a crucial opportunity for the nation to address its long-standing decline in sports. With preparations already behind schedule, the Games in Japan could serve as a stark reminder of how far Pakistan has fallen from its previous continental prominence.
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