By Nawaz Gohar ; The Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) is facing severe criticism over its planning and administrative capabilities after a controversial notification resulted in an dismal turnout for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 selection trials.

Highly placed sources revealed that only six male and five female athletes participated in the trials. Given the vast pool of dozens of national-level table tennis players across the country, sports circles have flagged this critically low attendance as a clear sign of deep-rooted reservations among players and parents regarding the federation’s sudden scheduling and short notice.

The crisis stems from a directive issued by the PTTF that left athletes with minimal time to prepare or travel for the trials. Compounding the issue, the federation’s policy placed the entire financial burden of international travel and logistical expenses for the Asian Games directly onto the players themselves. This mandate triggered widespread, open protests from both athletes and their families, who deemed the policy exclusionary.

Sports analysts noted that having a mere 11 players participate in a selection process for a major continental event like the Asian Games heavily compromises the competitive standard of the national squad. They argued it highlights a stark failure by the federation to win the trust of its core stakeholders.

Affected players and parents maintained that a lack of strategic planning, inadequate notice, and a complete absence of financial backing systematically deprives talented athletes of global opportunities. They emphasized that national team selection must be anchored in maximum inclusivity, transparency, and fair competition, rather than restrictive environments that bar eligible players from even reaching the trial venue.

Following the fallout, a heated debate has erupted across the sports sector regarding the PTTF’s governance. Stakeholders are now formally calling upon the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to launch an immediate review into the matter to ensure future national team selections are equitable, thoroughly organized, and accessible to all deserving athletes.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  The Federal Government has formulated the draft of the new National Sports Policy 2026, marking the first major policy overhaul in two decades. Under the proposed framework, the government has decided to grant complete administrative autonomy to national sports federations and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

According to the draft policy, federations will now operate independently in accordance with the constitutions of their respective international governing bodies. To align with the constitutional shifts of the 18th Amendment, the draft proposes the establishment of a “National Sports Coordination Council” to oversee administrative governance across the country.

Furthermore, the policy recommends the creation of a dedicated “Sports Development Fund” and proposes that provincial governments allocate a minimum of 2% of their Annual Development Programme (ADP) specifically to sports development.

The policy strongly emphasizes encouraging private sector investment in sports leagues, high-performance academies, and infrastructure development, while driving the growth of professional leagues and sports broadcasting. Additionally, it mandates compulsory sports competitions at the school and college levels, alongside the creation of a national talent hunt system and a centralized athlete database.

In a landmark move for player welfare, the policy proposes formal central contracts, comprehensive medical insurance, and a pension scheme for athletes. It also envisions the establishment of specialized institutes for sports sciences, sports medicine, and data analytics.

To ensure accountability, the performance of national sports federations will undergo a rigorous review every three months. The ultimate objective of the National Sports Policy 2026 is to transition the country’s sporting ecosystem from bureaucratic control to autonomous governance.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  In what is being hailed as a massive shot in the arm for domestic sports, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Regional Office-Asia has officially pledged its full weight behind Pakistan, charting a comprehensive roadmap to revive and revolutionize basketball across the country.

The strategic commitment follows a high-profile, multi-city visit by a top-tier FIBA delegation to Islamabad and Lahore. The mission was aimed at breaking Pakistan’s prolonged international stagnation and integrating the country back into the mainstream Asian basketball ecosystem.

Led by FIBA Regional Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian, the delegation engaged in intense, high-level deliberations with the country’s top sports custodians. Key meetings were held with:

Mohyuddin Wani, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) leadership.

The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) top brass, including President Brig (R) Muhammad Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General Khalid Bashir, Senior Vice President Imtiaz Rafi Butt, and Associate Secretary General Ouj E Zahoor.

The discussions focused on dismantling structural bottlenecks, upgrading grassroots infrastructure, and creating sustainable pathways for Pakistani athletes to compete on the international stage.

Speaking exclusively on the vision behind the visit, Hagop Khajirian emphasized that empowering national federations is not just a policy, but a core strategic pillar for FIBA.

“Pakistan holds immense potential and occupies a position of significant importance within the Asian basketball landscape. We are fully committed to providing the technical expertise, resources, and cooperation necessary for the sport’s long-term development here,” Khajirian stated.

Terming the dialogue with Pakistani stakeholders “highly productive and encouraging,” Khajirian revealed that several game-changing proposals were reviewed to elevate the standard of the game. He lauded the proactive enthusiasm shown by government and sports officials, expressing firm confidence that this visit marks the definitive beginning of a vibrant new era for Pakistani hoops.

For years, Pakistan’s basketball potential has remained largely untapped due to structural challenges. However, this newly forged synergy between FIBA Asia, the PBBF, and the government signals a major shift.

Moving forward, FIBA will work hand-in-hand with national sports authorities to implement robust grassroots programs, referee and coaching clinics, and structured domestic leagues. With the world governing body now actively driving the narrative, Pakistan’s basketball court is finally set for a historic turnaround.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; President of the Pakistan Olympic Association Arif Saeed has appreciated the services of Muhammad Yasir Pirzada during his tenure as Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board.

According to POA Secretary Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, the Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board remained actively engaged on key matters related to sports development and athlete welfare during Pirzada’s tenure.

He said both institutions worked closely on important initiatives, including discussions on a structured cash prize policy and comprehensive programmes aimed at athlete training and long-term development.

The Pakistan Olympic Association noted that continued professional collaboration between sports institutions is vital for improving governance, strengthening athlete support systems and promoting the overall growth of sports in the country.

The POA also extended its best wishes to Muhammad Yasir Pirzada for his future professional responsibilities.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; A major decision regarding the South Asian Games has been reached: the South Asian Federation Games (SAF Games) will be held in Pakistan in March 2027.

According to a report by a private TV channel, this decision was approved during the South Asian Olympic Council meeting held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Pakistan was represented at a high level by the President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Arif Saeed, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohiuddin Wani, and POA Secretary General Khalid Mahmood.

During the meeting, the Government of Pakistan provided full assurance for the successful execution of the South Asian Games. Federal Secretary Mohiuddin Wani, officially representing the government, informed the South Asian Olympic Council that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the games and will ensure all administrative, security, and logistical matters meet international standards.

The participants also agreed that athletes and officials would be provided with every possible facility to make the event successful and memorable.

According to the decision, the South Asian Games will take place from March 23 to March 31 next year, featuring athletes from across the region competing in various sports.

This event is considered vital not only for the promotion of sports but also for strengthening regional ties and harmony. For Pakistan, hosting this event is seen as both a great honor and an opportunity to further improve its sporting infrastructure.

It is worth noting that the South Asian Games, originally scheduled for January, had been postponed, leading to questions about the event’s future. However, the meeting in Tashkent has put those concerns to rest by re-awarding the hosting rights to Pakistan.

Council members praised the commitment and preparations of the Pakistan Olympic Association and the Government of Pakistan, expressing confidence that the country will once again successfully organize a major international sporting event.

The decision has been welcomed by the sporting community, as it provides young athletes more opportunities to polish their skills on an international stage.

Officials stated that further details regarding preparations, venue selection, and other administrative matters will be released in the coming days to ensure the 2027 SAF Games are a historic success.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has published a comprehensive list of national sports federations and organizations that are not officially affiliated with the board. The list features over 50 federations representing a wide spectrum of sports, ranging from traditional and niche disciplines to modern and emerging activities.

The list of unaffiliated entities includes the Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation, Pakistan Tchoukball Federation, Pakistan Soccer Futsal Federation, Hang Gliding and Paragliding Associations, Kickboxing (two groups), Mixed Martial Arts (three groups), E-Sports (two groups), and the Pakistan Padel Federation, among others.

Other notable organizations mentioned include the Pakistan Scrabble Association, Pakistan Fencing Federation, Pakistan Racing Pigeon Federation, Triathlon Federation, Paintball Federation, Minifootball Federation, and Tug of War.

Funding and Eligibility Restrictions PSB officials clarified that due to their unaffiliated status, these federations are ineligible for government funding or participation in official events organized by the PSB. Authorities have urged these organizations to initiate formal registration processes to ensure compliance with national standards and gain access to state resources.

A Push for Transparency Sports governance experts have welcomed the publication of this list, describing it as a crucial step toward promoting transparency within the country’s sporting ecosystem. They warned that unregistered federations could create complications in international competitions and athlete representation if left unmonitored.

The list highlights the immense diversity of sports in Pakistan—from traditional arts like Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Horse & Mounted Archery to modern trends like Gymnastics, E-Sports, and Pickleball. The PSB’s move emphasizes the urgent need for proper regulation and formal affiliation to maintain the integrity of Pakistan’s sports system.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; The 35th National Games concluded with the Pakistan Army asserting clear dominance. The Army won 196 gold medals, while WAPDA finished second with 84 gold medals, and the Pakistan Navy secured third place with 36 gold medals.

The Pakistan Air Force slipped from fourth to seventh position, while Punjab, which was eighth in the Quetta Games, surged to fourth place on the medal table. HEC retained fifth position and Sindh finished sixth. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir failed to win any gold or silver medals.

By winning 196 gold medals, the Pakistan Army concluded the 35th National Games with a commanding lead over all other contingents and lifted the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The ceremonial torch, which was lit on December 6 at the National Stadium Karachi, was also extinguished at the closing ceremony.

According to records, during the 2023 Quetta National Games, the Army had won 199 gold, 133 silver, and 66 bronze medals. This time, it secured 196 gold, 96 silver, and 56 bronze medals.

The runners-up WAPDA, which had completed a century of gold medals in the Quetta Games, had to settle for 84 gold medals this time, along with 71 silver and 74 bronze medals. In the previous Games, WAPDA had won 109 gold, 101 silver, and 80 bronze medals, totaling 290 medals.

The Pakistan Navy maintained its third position with 36 gold, 39 silver, and 33 bronze medals. In the Quetta Games as well, it had finished third with 28 gold, 32 silver, and 49 bronze medals.Punjab, which finished eighth in the previous National Games, made a significant leap to fourth place with 16 gold, 38 silver, and 72 bronze medals. In Quetta, Punjab had won 3 gold, 11 silver, and 53 bronze medals.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) secured fifth place with 14 gold, 38 silver, and 65 bronze medals. HEC had also finished fifth in the 2023 Quetta Games with 8 gold, 17 silver, and 93 bronze medals.

Sindh concluded the 35th National Games in sixth position with 11 gold, 25 silver, and 57 bronze medals, ranking second among the provinces. In the Quetta Games, Sindh had finished sixth overall but first among provinces with 4 gold, 16 silver, and 23 bronze medals.

The Pakistan Air Force finished seventh with 9 gold, 16 silver, and 26 bronze medals, a decline from its fourth-place finish in the Quetta Games, where it had won 8 gold, 24 silver, and 42 bronze medals.

In the National Games that concluded in Karachi: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finished eighth with 5 gold, 18 silver, and 45 bronze medals; Balochistan placed ninth with 4 gold, 14 silver, and 30 bronze medals; Railways secured tenth position with 3 gold, 4 silver, and 22 bronze medals;

Islamabad finished eleventh with 1 gold, 4 silver, and 10 bronze medals; Police placed twelfth with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 25 bronze medals; Gilgit-Baltistan finished thirteenth with 7 bronze medals only; Azad Jammu & Kashmir ended in fourteenth and last position, also with 7 bronze medals only.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; Major administrative shortcomings by the Sindh Squash Association came to light during the squash events of the National Games 2025, held at the Jahangir Khan Squash Complex. Several teams and officials strongly criticized the poor management, which severely disrupted the competition schedule.

According to reports, 17-star international and national teams were allotted only two squash courts, creating significant delays and logistical issues. Matches scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. stretched late into the evening, leaving players waiting for hours and dealing with mental fatigue throughout the day.

Multiple teams complained of being made to “wander from place to place,” citing the lack of proper seating arrangements, no designated waiting area, and insufficient warm-up time. Players and coaches also questioned why the event was hosted at the National Coaching Centre, a venue with limited facilities, when the Navy Squash Club, a far superior alternative, was readily available.

The participating teams have demanded that future national-level tournaments ensure better planning, appropriate venues, and proper scheduling to safeguard athlete performance and maintain standards of fair play.

Viral audio of KP DG Sports raises questions over National Games management

Meanwhile, two alleged audio clips of Tashfeen Haider, Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who had been accompanying the KP Sports Directorate, have surfaced online, raising serious questions about the administrative handling of the National Games.

In the first viral audio, DG Sports is heard expressing frustration to an official named Amjad, complaining that venue details for all sports should have been provided in advance, as this is the responsibility of the relevant authorities. He clearly states in the audio that the situation is not like Peshawar, where one can conveniently travel to Saddar or University Road; instead, competitions are being held at multiple locations, and therefore, complete venue information must be supplied.

The second leaked audio, recorded in Pashto, features Tashfeen Haider stating that he has just returned from watching the taekwondo competitions and instructing officials to send the locations of the remaining sports as well.

These audios have intensified concerns about the administrative arrangements of the ongoing National Games, triggering further debate regarding transparency and organisational coordination

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KARACHI : By Nawaz Gohar ; A major controversy has emerged at the 35th National Games after reports surfaced that multiple Afghan migrants were allegedly included in Balochistan’s wushu squad and other team rosters, raising serious questions over transparency, athlete verification and fair play.

According to persons present on the occasion, the Balochistan Wushu team, accused of being a fake lineup, allegedly fled from the official trials, reportedly fearing detection. Subsequent revelations indicated that eight players from this team included at least four Afghan nationals, all living as migrants in Pakistan.

Further reports also suggest that both men’s and women’s teams in other categories featured a significant number of Afghan migrants, including athletes listed in the 52kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg and additional weight classes.

The allegations have prompted widespread concern among officials, athletes and sports administrators, with many describing the incident as a serious breach of rules, ethics and national sporting integrity.

Those raising the issue have urged the Balochistan Sports Board, Balochistan Olympic Association and the Pakistan Wushu Federation to launch a thorough investigation and take strict action against all individuals responsible for bypassing athlete eligibility rules.

They further appealed to all relevant national departments and sports bodies to treat the matter with urgency, saying such violations undermine the credibility of the National Games and compromise the rights of legitimate athletes across the country.

The controversy has cast a shadow over the ongoing National Games in Karachi, where teams from across Pakistan are competing in dozens of disciplines. Pending an official inquiry, sports administrators are calling for tighter verification procedures to ensure only eligible Pakistani athletes represent their respective provinces and departments.

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Nawaz Gohar from Riyadh ; Pakistan made a significant jump in the medal standings at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, moving from 36th to 23rd position, thanks to a stunning Gold and Silver in the men’s javelin throw.

Olympian Arshad Nadeem, who set a new record of 92.97 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, claimed the gold medal, while fellow Pakistani Yasir Sultan secured silver, marking a historic one-two finish for Pakistan in the event.

Prior to the javelin success, Pakistan had already won two bronze medals at the Games. Fatima Zahra earned a bronze in the women’s 60kg boxing category, while Qudratullah reached the semi-finals in the men’s 55kg boxing event to claim bronze for Pakistan.

In addition, Arusha Saeed won a bronze in an exhibition event, though it will not count toward the official medal tally. The 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, which began on 7 November, are scheduled to conclude on Friday (November 21, 2025), bringing together athletes from across the Islamic world to compete in various sports disciplines.

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