ISLAMABAD: The federal government has released Rs211million for the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for preparation and participation of a 140-member contingent in upcoming Asian Games, slated to be held in Jakarata from August 18 to September 2.

The federal government on special request of sports board released the said amount, as part of first installment of budget in financial year 2018-19.

“We received approval of Rs211million first installment of budget,” said PSB spokesman Azam Dar. “This is not purely for Asian Games, rather it’s our regular budget, but the government released it on urgent basis, because besides carrying other expenditures, we need to spend a portion of it for Asian Games too.”

He said that as per federal government decision, the PSB will bear the expenditure of a 140-member contingent on the same lines as in previous editions of the Games.

Initially, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) had finalised a 397-member contingent but it reduced it to 300 later on. On Monday, the POA stated that the strength may be reduced to 245.

“After deliberation with all stakeholders in a meeting in Lahore at the POA office on Monday, it was decided that since final entries and draws of the teams have already taken place therefore no team shall be dropped to avoid the penalties by the Olympic Council of Asia and the Organising Committee,” said a POA news release.

“However keeping in view the financial constraint of GoP/PSB, strength of Pakistan Contingent may be reduced from 300 to 245. 83 athletes and officials of the National Sports Federations not affiliated with POA/PSB, have also been accredited who will bear the expense of participation at their own.”

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2018