The upcoming 19th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8, is set to strengthen cultural and sports exchanges between Pakistan and China, according to Hussain Haider, the Pakistani Consul General in Shanghai. With over 12,500 athletes from 45 countries participating, the event will showcase a wide range of sports and talents.
Pakistan is sending a strong delegation of 262 officials and athletes to compete in 25 disciplines, including cricket, hockey, swimming, badminton, martial arts, and more. The Consul General highlighted that Pakistan has strengths in sports like e-sports, squash, and kabaddi in addition to cricket and hockey.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s sports industry has great potential, especially with its young population, and Chinese investors, already significant in Pakistan, can explore opportunities in this sector.
The government of Pakistan is fully supporting its athletes at the Asian Games, ensuring they have the necessary resources and facilities. Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President of the Pakistan Olympic Association, praised China’s expertise in organizing such mega sporting events, as demonstrated in the previous editions of the Asian Games.