Eight Pakistani athletes have been granted Olympic Solidarity scholarships by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to support their training and preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Each athlete will receive USD 13,500 annually from September 2025 through August 2028, ensuring financial stability for their Olympic campaigns.
The recipients span multiple disciplines. Track-and-field star Arshad Nadeem, who has previously represented Pakistan at the Olympics, is the sole awardee from athletics. Five shooters have also been granted scholarships, including Kishmala Talat, Rabia Kabir, Muhammad Farrukh Nadeem, Sulaiman Khan, and Imam Haroon. Rising talents Haiqa Hassan in table tennis and Fateemaah Tuz Zahraa Khawar in taekwondo complete the list.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Olympic Prospects
- Comprehensive Support: The scholarships will cover training camps, coaching, international competition exposure, and travel, addressing gaps that often challenge athletes in underfunded sports.
- Focus on Elite Performance: For established stars like Arshad Nadeem, the funding reinforces their ability to compete at the highest international level and improve Pakistan’s standing in athletics.
- Broadening Representation: By including sports such as table tennis and taekwondo, the POA aims to diversify Pakistan’s Olympic participation and nurture emerging talent across multiple disciplines.
The POA highlighted that these scholarships are part of a strategic effort to develop elite athletes in Pakistan, providing them with the necessary resources to excel on the global stage. With sustained support, the eight athletes are expected to carry Pakistan’s hopes into LA 2028 with renewed determination and skill.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
