Asiad opens

For Pakistan, the 20th Asian Games have begun with expectations that are considerably more modest than the size of the contingent might suggest. As athletes from 45 countries and regions gather in Nagoya, Japan, for competition across 43 sports, Pakistan has entered 23 disciplines. Yet after years of declining results, we must ask where the country can realistically challenge for medals.

All eyes, inevitably, will be on Arshad Nadeem. The Olympic champion remains Pakistan's biggest individual sporting name, and the javelin remains the clearest opportunity for a gold medal. But expectations must be tempered by his recent form. Arshad finished fifth at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship last week with 81.49 metres, while Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won with a remarkable 91.09m. The two are expected to renew their contest in Nagoya, with the javelin final scheduled for September 28. Squash may offer another meaningful opportunity. Noor Zaman, one of Pakistan's flag-bearers, enters the men's singles as the third seed and has already won the Under-23 World Championship. He and Ashab Irfan represent a younger generation trying to restore a sporting glory. Hockey remains another traditional medal prospect, although Pakistan's 11th-place finish at the recent World Cup is disappointing. The team has nevertheless targeted a place in the Asian Games final. Cricket has already delivered one disappointment. Pakistan's women defeated Thailand in the quarter-final but were eliminated by Sri Lanka in Sunday's semi-final. The green caps will now play the bronze-medal match on September 22.

At Hangzhou in 2023, Pakistan won only three medals, compared with four in 2018 and a far richer haul in earlier editions. Funding, preparation, coaching, facilities and international exposure remain recurring weaknesses. Even for these Games, reports have highlighted concerns over delayed preparations and questions about financial support for athletes. That is perhaps the most useful way to view these Games.