NEWS - Pakistan Olympic Association

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35th National Games Rescheduled for December 6–13, 2025 in Karachi POA and Government of Sindh Reaffirm Commitment to Athlete Well-being and Excellence Dear Media Friends, A high-level meeting with the Honourable Chief Minister Sindh, Mr. Murad Ali Shah, was held on 07 May 2025 in Karachi on the invitation of the Government of Sindh to finalize the program and operational roadmap for the rescheduled 35th National Games 2025. The meeting was attended by a delegation of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) led by its President Mr. Arif Saeed, accompanied by Senior Vice President Ms. Fatima Lakhani, Secretary General Mr. Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, and Mr. Ahmed Ali Rajput, Secretary General of the Sindh Olympic Association. The Honourable Chief Minister reaffirmed the full support and commitment of the Government of Sindh to host a befitting, athlete-centered, and technically world-class edition of the National Games. Mr. Abdul Aleem Lashari, Secretary of the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, briefed the meeting on the ongoing preparations and key logistical plans. The event is now officially scheduled to be held in Karachi from 6th to 13th December 2025. During the meeting, the President POA also apprised the Chief Minister of the launch and planning of the 1st National Youth Games—a landmark initiative aimed at nurturing emerging sporting talent and fostering youth engagement in sport. The Chief Minister welcomed the initiative and assured his full support for its success, further affirming that Sindh’s contingent will participate with full preparation. He directed the relevant departments to ensure all necessary facilitation for the optimal performance and well-being of young athletes. The Chief Minister emphasized his personal commitment to sports and athlete development, and assured that comprehensive arrangements will be made for the safety, comfort, and high-performance environment of all participants. He instructed the concerned departments to provide top-tier accommodation, medical services, transportation, and to ensure compliance with international standards for all competition infrastructure and equipment for which Mr. Abdul Aleem Lashari will be the focal person. Among key announcements, the Chief Minister declared the construction of a new, state-of-the-art swimming pool, and the procurement of advanced electronic timing and scoring systems. The POA delegation conveyed its sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for his leadership, athlete-focused vision, and dedicated support for national sports development, which has added fresh momentum to the planning and delivery of the Games. In a historic and progressive move, it was agreed that the 35th National Games will be conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the POA, the Government of Sindh, and the Sindh Olympic Association. This will mark a significant milestone in national sports governance, establishing a framework rooted in athlete welfare, institutional coordination, and technological excellence. The Pakistan Olympic Association appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of Sindh and looks forward to working in close partnership with all stakeholders to deliver a memorable, inclusive, and legacy-defining edition of the National Games 2025. Muhammad Khalid Mahmood Secretary General Pakistan Olympic Association

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Press Release: Executive Committee Meeting of the Pakistan Olympic Association

27-Feb-2025

Dear Media Friends,

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) under the leadership of its newly elected President, Mr. Arif Saeed, was held today (27th February 2025). The session focused on strengthening ongoing initiatives and introducing new measures to further enhance athlete development, governance, and collaboration with stakeholders in the country.

Dear Media Friends,

In his opening remarks, President Arif Saeed underscored the need to refine athlete pathways, prioritize their well-being, and create an environment where they can focus entirely on excellence in performance and competition.

He reaffirmed POA’s commitment to collaborating with public authorities to drive solutions that strengthen sports and governance. The Executive Committee also pledged to engage with both public and private sectors to build sustainable athlete support systems and an active sports culture in Pakistan.

35th National Games – Karachi 2025: The house confirmed that the 35th National Games will take place in Karachi from May 6 to 14, 2025. The Games Program will feature 26 sports for men and 23 sports for women. Additionally, the POA Sports Commission has been tasked with assessing the inclusion of six additional sports based on the principles approved by the Committee.

National Youth Games – Lahore 2025: Marking a significant milestone for youth sports in the country, the Committee approved the first-ever National Youth Games, set for September 7-13, 2025, in Lahore. This landmark inaugural edition will provide a structured platform for athletes aged 14-17, fostering talent for the Asian Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games.

President Arif Saeed will present a concept note to the Government of Pakistan, emphasizing their role in youth sports development. To support emerging athletes, POA will introduce a registration framework through regional and provincial Olympic Associations, including scholarships and specialized training. To ensure a coordinated approach, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, has been appointed Chef de Mission for the Asian Youth Games Bahrain 2025.

The house welcomed the approval of the Games Schedule and Program for the 14th South Asian Games in Pakistan following the successful meeting of the South Asia Olympic Council in Pakistan. For the valuable support during the visit of South Asian delegates, the Committee expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Pakistan Sports Board, Chief Secretary Punjab, Commissioner Lahore, Lahore Police and support staff for their support despite a demanding schedule.

During the meeting, Karachi has been chosen as the host city for the King’s Baton Relay in connection with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.

Thank and best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General
Pakistan Olympic Association

Press Release: South Asia Olympic Council Finalizes Key Decisions for 14th South Asian Games 2026

25-Feb-2025

Lahore, 25th February 2025 – The Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) concluded a highly productive meeting today at Lahore, marking significant progress in preparations for the 14th South Asian Games, which will be held from 23rd to 31st January 2026 in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Islamabad.

Chaired by Mr. Arif Saeed, President SAOC and National Olympic Committee (NOC) Pakistan, the meeting reinforced the collective commitment of South Asian NOCs to fostering regional sports development and strengthening cooperation through sports. The discussions highlighted how the region’s athletes, Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra, brought South Asia into the global spotlight at Paris 2024 by winning medals in javelin throw — an achievement that not only inspired the youth of the subcontinent but also underscored the power of sports in promoting peace, unity, and shared aspirations across borders.

The meeting was attended by representatives from NOCs Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan:

NOC Bangladesh: Mr. Ashiqur Rahman Miku and Mr. Siraj Uddin Md Alamgir
NOC Bhutan: Mr. Nim Dorji
NOC India: Ms. Nazima Khan (joined remotely)
NOC Maldives: Mr. Thamooh Ahmed Saeed and Mr. Ahmed Munthaqim
NOC Nepal: Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha
NOC Sri Lanka: Mr. Surendaran Subramaniam, Mr. Edirimuni Niluka Rushan Perera Karunaratne, and Mr. Ilanga Pathiratnalage Wijeratne
NOC Pakistan: Mr. Arif Saeed, Ms. Fatima Lakhani, and Mr. Muhammad Khalid Mahmood

On the special request of Mr. Arif Saeed, President NOC Pakistan, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Sports (Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination Division) also attended and met the delegates.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

Finalized Games Schedule – The 14th South Asian Games will take place from 23rd to 31st January 2026, with events set to be hosted across Lahore, Faisalabad, and Islamabad.
Approval of Sports Program – 27 sports were already agreed upon by the South Asian NOCs as per the rules of South Asia Olympic Council by circulation. The final list of sports approved and decided in the meeting is listed below. It was also decided events for each sport will also be decided before 31st March 2025, and the Technical Handbooks will be prepared and released subject to approval of the Asian Federations concerned.
Formation of SAOC Constitution Review Committee – A committee has been established to review and update the SAOC Constitution, aligning it with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Constitution.
Collaboration with OCA – It was also agreed that to benefit from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the SAOC Secretariat will invite an OCA representative to all future SAOC meetings.

Approved Sports for the 14th South Asian Games

The following sports have been confirmed for inclusion in the 14th South Asian Games:

Aquatics – Swimming (Men & Women)
Archery (Men & Women)
Athletics (Men & Women)
Badminton (Men & Women)
Billiards & Snooker (Men)
Boxing (Men & Women)
Fencing (Men & Women)
Golf (Men & Women)
Judo (Men & Women)
Karate (Men & Women)
Shooting (Men & Women)
Squash (Men & Women)
Table Tennis (Men & Women)
Taekwondo (Men & Women)
Tennis (Men & Women)
Triathlon (Men & Women)
Weightlifting (Men & Women)
Wrestling (Men & Women)
Wushu (Men & Women)
Basketball 3×3 and 5×5 (Men & Women)
Cricket (Men & Women)
Football (Men & Women)
Handball (Men & Women) and Beach Handball (Men)
Hockey (Men)
Mat Kabaddi (Men & Women)
Rugby (Men)
Volleyball (Men & Women) & Beach Volleyball (Men)
Rowing

Rowing, proposed as a second optional sport by the host NOC, will be included once it receives endorsement from at least four NOCs as an additional sport to the already approved program.

In his remarks, President SAOC, Mr. Arif Saeed, expressed his deep appreciation for the participation and commitment of all South Asian NOCs. Throughout the meeting, solidarity, cooperation, and the shared vision of strengthening sports in South Asia remained at the core of discussions. He extended a special thanks to Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Sports (Ministry of IPC Division), for his instrumental role in supporting the preparations for the Games.

He further commended the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, for his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the Games. His support has been pivotal in accelerating preparations and reinforcing Pakistan’s dedication to delivering a world-class sporting event.

With preparations now fully underway, SAOC looks forward to hosting a memorable and impactful edition of the South Asian Games in 2026, bringing athletes and nations together in the true spirit of sportsmanship and regional unity.

Thank you for your attention.

Best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General
South Asia Olympic Council / NOC Pakistan

IOC Global Ambassadors Program for the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions (PMC)

22-Jan-2025

Dear Madam/ Sir,

Please find attached a letter on the subject.

Best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General POA

PMC Ambassadors Program

Master (M.A) in Olympic Studies (2025-2027) - German Sport University Cologne

22-Jan-2025

Dear Madam/ Sir,

Please find attached a letter on the subject.

Best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General POA

MA Olympic Studies – German Sport University Cologne

DSHS Flyer MA Olympic Studies 20240312

Media Release - Participation of Pakistan Contingent in the 9th Asian Winter Games from 7th February to 14th February 2025 in Harbin, China

10-Jan-2025

Dear Media Friends,

Pakistan will be participating in the 9th Asian Winter Games scheduled to take place from 7th February to 14th February 2025 in Harbin, China. Two athletes from Winter Sports Federation Pakistan are participating in these games. The composition of the Pakistan contingent is as follows:

Chef de Mission: Air Commodore Ashar Jamil, Secretary General, Winter Sports Federation Pakistan
Athletes:
- Mr. Muhammad Karim (Alpine Skiing) – Competition: 8–9 Feb 2025 (2 days)
- Mr. Muhammad Shabbir (Cross-country) – Competition: 8–12 Feb 2025 (5 days)
Coach: Mr. Muhammad Abbas
NOC Attaché: Mrs. Rabbia Nasir from Embassy of Pakistan in China
Safeguarding: Ms. Asma Akram

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as always.

Best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General
Pakistan Olympic Association

Press Release

01-Jan-2025

Dear Media Friends,

Lahore: President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Arif Saeed, has stressed the need for collective efforts to restore Pakistan’s positive global image through sports and to rebuild the trust of the international sports community in the country. He said these efforts are crucial for paving the way for the revival of international sports in Pakistan. He expressed these views while addressing a gathering of members of the Executive Committee at the Pakistan Olympic House in Lahore after assuming his responsibilities as President.

The meeting was attended by POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, Vice Presidents Major (Retd.) Majid Wasim and Andleeb Sandhu, Deputy Secretary General Muhammad Jahangir, Finance Secretary Ahmar Malick, Associate Secretary General Tahmina Asif, representatives of Olympic sports Hafiz Imran Butt and Muhammad Arshad Sattar, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association of Pakistan Javed Lodhi, President of the Softball Federation of Pakistan Asif Azeem, and Secretary General of the Islamabad Olympic Association Rizwan-ul-Haq Razi.

President Arif Saeed remarked that Pakistan has witnessed a golden era in sports in the past, during which it held world championship titles in cricket, hockey, snooker, and squash simultaneously. He acknowledged that ups and downs are a natural part of sports, and no one remains at the top forever, but continuous efforts to improve are essential.

He further emphasized the POA’s steadfast commitment to advocating on every platform to ensure that sports and athletes in Pakistan receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. The association is dedicated to fostering harmonious relationships and collaborating with all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Sports Board, to achieve its mission of revitalizing the sports sector in the country with unwavering resolve.

Addressing the office bearers of various sports federations, Arif Saeed urged them to prioritize submitting their proposals for promoting sports at both international and national levels within the first 100 days and over the next year. These proposals, he emphasized, would be key to outlining actionable steps for the advancement and development of sports in Pakistan. He emphasized that the IOC is actively supporting athlete well-being worldwide, and similarly, the POA and National Sports Federations (NSFs) should strive to do the same within their respective domains. They should benefit from and learn from the programs offered by the IOC and International Sports Federations.

Thank you and best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General POA

IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition (Feb 2025 – Nov 2026)

30-Dec-2024

Dear Madam/ Sir,

Please find attached a letter on the subject.

Best regards,
Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General POA

775 – Affiliated Units of POA (IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition)

Diploma Application

Olympic Scholarship Application

Press Release: General Council Meeting of POA 30 November 2024

03-Dec-2024

Dear Media Friends,

A meeting of the General Council of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) was held on 30 November 2024 at Lahore under the chairmanship of Syed Mohammad Abid Qadri Gillani, President POA, during which the General Council deliberated on several important matters, including the National Games, the hosting of the South Asian Games in Pakistan, and the current state of the Olympic Movement in the country. It has been proposed that the National Games be organized in October 2025, followed by the South Asian Games, which are proposed to take place in November 2025.

The General Council also approved a letter issued by the POA, in which the association responded to allegations regarding its internal governance. The letter, backed by facts, dates, and documents, refuted these claims, asserting that all relevant documentation concerning statutes, rules, and membership were sent to all stakeholders within the stipulated timelines and are readily available on record.

Following detailed discussions within National Sports Federations (NSFs), both prior to and during the meeting, the NSFs unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming their respect for the Government of Pakistan and their commitment to the promotion, development, and governance of sports in alignment with national interests and international standards. The resolution emphasized the importance of maintaining harmonious relations with governmental institutions while underscoring that the autonomy of NSFs, as mandated by International Federations (IFs) and the Olympic Charter, is critical for preserving international affiliation and recognition. The resolution is attached (Annex A).

Additionally, the NSFs collectively drafted and signed a letter addressed to the Pakistan Sports Board, urging the PSB not to enforce any rules that contradict the principles of the Olympic Charter. The letter highlighted the repercussions of such actions, including rendering the NSFs non-compliant with the statutes of their respective IFs, the POA, and the Olympic Charter. A copy of the joint letter is attached (Annex B)

The General Council also emphasized that our efforts are fully aligned with the agreement between the Government of Pakistan and the IOC, ASOIF, ANOC, OCA, and POA, which is based on the principle of non-interference in the sports organizations as stated in Government of Pakistan letter dated 3 July 2014 (Annex C), and subsequently further explained by IOC in its letter of September 2021 (Annex D).

Any perception contrary to the stated position of the General Council reflected in its resolution and letter to PSB is incorrect. We request all to support the Olympic Movement in Pakistan for the betterment of the athletes.

Thank you and best regards

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood

Secretary General

Pakistan Olympic Association

Heartiest Congratulation on Your Successful Election as President FIH

12-Nov-2024

Dear Sir,

Kindly find the attached letter regarding the subject.

Best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General
Pakistan Olympic Association

665 – Congratulations – Mr. Tayyab Ikram

ELECTIONS OF ISLAMABAD OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (IOA)

11-Nov-2024

Dear Media Friends,

The Elective Meeting of the Islamabad Olympic Association was held yesterday in Islamabad in which Begum Ishrat Ashraf has been elected to head the Association till 2028. Along with her, the following office bearers and members of the Executive Committee were elected:

Sr. No.	Name	Position	Sport Association
1	Begum Ishrat Ashraf	President	Boxing
2	Mr. Muhammad Sarwar	Senior Vice President	Kabaddi
3	Mr. Ouj E Zahoor	Vice President	Basketball
4	Mr. Ahmed Bilal Waqar	Vice President	Fencing
5	Mr. Agha Abbas Raza	Vice President	Shooting
6	Mr. Muhammad Arif Qureshi	Vice President	Tennis
7	Ms. Sadaf Parveen	Lady Vice President	Handball
8	Mr. Rizwan Ul Haq Razi	Secretary General	Rowing
9	Mr. Muhammad Pervez Habib Butt	Deputy Secretary General	Badminton
10	Mr. Ijaz Ul Haq	Treasurer	Karate
11	Ch. Muhammad Akram	Associate Secretary	Volleyball
12	Mian Naseer Ahmed	Associate Secretary	Weightlifting
13	Syed Haider Abbas	Associate Secretary	Bodybuilding
14	Mr. Jalal Haider Khan	Associate Secretary	Taekwondo
15	Dr. Ruby Khalid	Lady Associate Secretary	Swimming
16	Syed Namood Muslim	Rep of Olympic Sports	Boxing
17	Mr. Muhammad Asif Baloch	Rep of Olympic Sports	Gymnastics
18	Mian Yasir Adnan	Rep of Olympic Sports	Wrestling
19	Ms. Fiza Najaf Jafri	Lady Representative	Rowing
20	Ms. Urva Naz	Lady Representative	Bodybuilding

Dear Media Friends,

Begum Ishrat Ashraf is an experienced sports administrator and politician with over 30 years dedicated to advancing sports in Pakistan, with a particular focus on promoting women’s participation. She currently serves as Vice President, Pakistan Olympic Association and Chairperson, Pakistan Boxing Federation, roles in which she has supported a range of sports initiatives across the country. Her successful election as President, Islamabad Olympic Association, makes her the first woman to lead an affiliated unit of the Pakistan Olympic Association in decades. This achievement highlights her sustained commitment to the inclusion and development of female athletes and officials in sports.

Syed Mohammad Abid Qadri Gillani, President of the Pakistan Olympic Association, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all newly elected office bearers of the IOA. He voiced a strong commitment to working together to elevate and advance national sports, aiming to foster growth and unity in the sports community.

Thanking you and best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General
Pakistan Olympic Association

IOC Young Leaders 2025-2028 Program Opportunity with Your Athletes

12-Oct-2024

Dear Madam/Sir,

We hope this message finds you well. We are delighted to inform about an incredible opportunity for the youth in your community. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is launching the IOC Young Leaders 2025-2028 Programme, aimed at empowering young people to create positive social change through sport. This initiative aligns with our shared vision of using sport as a tool for sustainable development, and we encourage you to circulate this information among your athletes and youth communities.

The IOC Young Leaders Programme offers young individuals (aged 20–28) the chance to develop a sport-based project or social business to address local challenges. This four-year programme includes virtual learning sessions, leadership coaching, and networking opportunities with global experts. Participants will receive CHF 10,000 in seed funding over the course of the programme to bring their projects to life. The following are the key programme benefits:

Monthly expert-led workshops
Exclusive access to thought leaders and global events
Invitations to bi-annual IOC Youth Summits
Leadership coaching and mentoring

The selection process is divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Registration for the 4-week Learning Sprint (by 21 October 2024). This virtual sprint will introduce participants to the Olympic Movement, sport-based social businesses, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Phase 2: After completing the sprint, eligible participants can apply for the full programme between 18 November and 16 December 2024.

We request you to share this exciting opportunity with your athletes and encourage them to take part in this impactful programme. It’s a chance for young leaders to leverage sport and make a meaningful difference in their communities.

For more details and to register by 21 October 2024, please visit the following link:
https://olympics.com/ioc/young-leaders/application

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us spread the word about this initiative and look forward to seeing the innovative projects that your athletes will bring to life!

Thanks and best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General POA

IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards 2024

12-Oct-2024

Dear Madam/Sir,

We hope this message finds you well.

The IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards, managed by the IOC Athletes’ Entourage Commission, offer a platform to honor the coaches who have gone above and beyond in supporting Olympic athletes. These awards celebrate not only their technical expertise but also their mentorship, guidance, and contributions beyond the field of play.

This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the coaches who have made a significant impact on their athletes’ Olympic journeys and embodied the true spirit of the Olympic values.

We invite you to nominate coach(es) by 23 October 2024 who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their athletes and the Olympic values for the IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards 2024. The nominated coach can be active or retired but must have trained an athlete who has participated in at least one edition of the Summer or Winter Olympic Games. Both male and female coaches will be recognized, with awards presented to one coach of each gender.

For more details and to register by 23 October 2024, please visit the following link:
https://olympics.com/athlete365/topics/a365-topic-ioc-coaches-lifetime-achievement-awards

Thanks and best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General POA