BEIJING: Pakistan is set to make its presence felt at the upcoming 19th Asian Games, with a formidable contingent of 262 athletes and dedicated officials preparing to compete in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, from September 23 to October 8. This significant participation underscores Pakistan’s commitment to showcasing its talent and competitive spirit on the international stage.
The diverse group of Pakistani athletes will represent their nation across a wide range of 25 sports, including cricket, hockey, swimming, badminton, martial arts, and more. In addition to cricket and hockey, often regarded as Pakistan’s national passions, the country boasts a strong competitive advantage in e-sports, squash, and kabaddi, said Pakistan’s Consul General in Shanghai, Hussain Haider, in an interview with China Economic Net (CEN).
Discussing the potential for Pakistan’s sports industry to receive a boost during the Asian Games, the Consul General highlighted that Pakistan, with 64 percent of its population under the age of 29, possesses a substantial sports market. He noted that Sialkot serves as the epicenter of Pakistan’s sports industry.
Haider emphasized that the Pakistani government extends all facilities and preferential policies available to other industries to investors interested in the sports sector, welcoming Chinese investors, who are already among the largest investors in Pakistan, to explore opportunities within this vibrant market.
Significance of Asian Games for Pakistan
Furthermore, the Consul General emphasized that the upcoming Asian Games will play a pivotal role in enhancing cultural and sports exchanges between Pakistan and China. With more than 12,500 athletes from 45 countries preparing to participate in an array of sports, the 19th Asian Games have captured global attention.
The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, demonstrating the exceptional skills, determination, and teamwork of athletes from diverse backgrounds. The official opening of the 19th Asian Games village has already taken place, with the main village situated in Hangzhou along the Qiantang River’s south bank.
Five additional athletes’ villages are located in the cities of Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jinhua, and the counties of Chun’an and Tonglu within Zhejiang Province. The environmentally conscious village in Hangzhou is set to accommodate over 20,000 individuals, including athletes, officials, and staff during the games. Visitors to the village can explore the 5G Smart Asian Games Experience Space, offering a unique opportunity to watch the games in Glass-Free 3D and via VR Live Sport.
