Asian Games 2026: Strict OCA protocols face test amid potential Mohsin Naqvi medal ceremony spat
Asian Games 2026: Strict OCA protocols face test amid potential Mohsin Naqvi medal ceremony spat
By Nawaz Gohar ; Debate has erupted across Indian media regarding whether the Indian cricket team will accept medals from Mohsin Naqvi—Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)—should he attend the upcoming medal distribution ceremony at the Asian Games.
According to sources, a decision regarding Naqvi’s participation in the ceremony is expected in the coming days. Media attention remains closely fixed on his upcoming schedule to confirm whether he will be present to hand out awards.
With the Indian women’s cricket team having secured a spot in the final, the possibility of Naqvi being assigned medal presentation duties has put the team’s potential response under intense scrutiny.
Under Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) regulations, winning athletes are required to stand on the podium and accept their awards in strict compliance with designated protocols. OCA guidelines explicitly seek to keep sporting events free from political controversies; any protest or political demonstration during a victory ceremony is considered a code violation.
Sources indicate that if any team or athlete breaches protocol during the presentation, disciplinary action can be initiated under the OCA Code of Conduct. The severity of any penalty would depend on the precise nature of the infraction.
Should the Indian team refuse to accept their medals from the designated presenter, the matter will be reviewed directly under OCA governing rules. Confirmed breaches could result in formal disciplinary proceedings, including sanctions that could affect the status of the awarded medals.
This situation follows a previous incident during the recent Asia Cup, where both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams refrained from accepting trophies directly from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. That occurrence has renewed questions regarding protocol compliance for any future award ceremonies involving Naqvi and Indian sports teams.
The OCA and local organizers will closely monitor protocol adherence during the cricket finals and subsequent victory ceremonies. A clear picture regarding Naqvi’s presence and official duties is expected to emerge shortly.
