“The upcoming 19th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in the vibrant city of Hangzhou from 23 Sept to 8 Oct, is poised to become a significant catalyst for deepening cultural and sports exchanges between Pakistan and China,” highlighted Hussain Haider, Pakistani Consul General in Shanghai in a recent interview.
With over 12,500 athletes from 45 countries set to compete in a wide array of sports, the 19th Asian Games has captured global attention. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the extraordinary skills, determination and teamwork of athletes from diverse backgrounds.
The Consul General noted that Pakistan is sending a strong contingent of 262 dedicated officials and talented athletes, male and female, who will compete in a wide range of 25 disciplines including cricket, hockey, swimming, badminton, martial arts and many more. In addition to cricket and hockey, often referred to as Pakistan’s national obsession, Pakistan also has a huge competitive edge in e-sports, squash and kabaddi.
Discussing the need for Pakistan’s sports industry to get a boost during the games, the Consul General said that as a young country with 64 percent of the population under the age of 29, Pakistan has a large sports market, with Sialkot as the hub of Pakistan’s sports industry.
“For investors who come to Pakistan to invest in the sports industry, especially Chinese investors who are already the largest investors in Pakistan, all the facilities and preferential policies that the Pakistani government opens to other industries are also applicable to investing in the sports industry,” the CG added.
Recognizing the importance of sports in promoting national unity and development, the government of Pakistan has extended its full support to the athletes representing the country at the Asian Games. Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) said that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and POA have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Pakistani delegation receives the necessary resources and facilities to compete at the highest level.
In a news briefing on the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou held in Lahore on 13 Sept, Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan spoke highly about China’s excellence in organizing mega events. The previous two editions of the Asian Games, in 1990 in Beijing and 2010 in Guangzhou, were resounding successes.
