The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Friday approved a 53-member contingent to participate in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.
The approval was granted after clearances from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while final clearance from the Ministry of Interior is awaited.
The athletes will compete in eight disciplines: athletics, badminton, ju-jitsu, kabaddi, swimming, taekwondo, volleyball and wrestling. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, will serve as chef de mission.
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According to the PSB, the selection was made strictly on merit, in line with the policy adopted by Director General Yasir Pirzada, which discourages self-sponsorship. In the past, the practice had allowed individuals to join international events without meeting performance criteria.
“This contingent represents the pure sporting talent of our nation,” a PSB spokesperson said.
“Every athlete has earned their place through proven skill and performance, not privilege or personal wealth. The era of using sports as a gateway for foreign trips is over. Our focus is solely on those who have the potential to bring glory to Pakistan.”