POA Announces Olympic Solidarity Scholarships for Eight Pakistani Athletes Ahead of LA28

In a major development for Pakistan’s sporting future, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has confirmed that eight national athletes have been selected to receive their first quarterly grants under the IOC Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Programme, a global initiative designed to support elite athletes in their journey toward the Olympic Games. This financial support will aid their preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), offering much-needed assistance for international training, coaching, and competitions.

The programme, which runs from September 2025 to August 2028, will provide each selected athlete with an annual grant of USD 13,500, offering crucial stability as they prepare for one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. For many athletes in Pakistan, where training facilities and funding are often insufficient, the scholarship represents not just financial aid but a pathway to achieving their Olympic dreams.

Arshad Nadeem Leads the List of Awardees

Among the eight awardees, the most prominent name is Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated Olympic gold medalist and one of the country’s biggest international sports icons. He is the only athlete chosen from the discipline of athletics and is also a recurring beneficiary of the Olympic Solidarity Programme.

Arshad’s selection comes as no surprise. His historic performances including major international medals and his groundbreaking feat of becoming Pakistan’s first track-and-field Olympic gold medalist have brought global recognition to the nation. This scholarship will further strengthen his preparation for LA28, where he is expected to again be one of Pakistan’s strongest medal contenders.

The POA acknowledged Arshad’s contributions, emphasizing that his commitment, discipline, and world-class performances make him a deserving recipient of the programme.

Pakistan Rifle Shooters Dominate the Scholarship List

The National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP) leads all federations with five out of the eight total athletes selected for the scholarships a remarkable achievement for the shooting sport community. The selected shooters include:

• Kishmala Talat Pakistan’s first female athlete to directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics

• Rabia Kabir

• Muhammad Farrukh Nadeem

• Sulaiman Khan

• Imam Haroon

Kishmala Talat, in particular, has emerged as a symbol of progress and inspiration in Pakistani sports. Her qualification for Paris 2024 marked a historic moment for the nation, and her inclusion in the LA28 scholarship list highlights her continued potential at the global level.

The remaining four shooters also represent the rising talent and growing competitiveness of Pakistan’s rifle shooting programme. Over the past few years, Pakistani shooters have recorded improved performances at international competitions, demonstrating their ability to compete against some of the world’s best.

Support for Table Tennis and Taekwondo Athletes

Apart from athletics and shooting, two other sports have also earned representation in the scholarship list:

• Haiqa Hassan  Table Tennis

• Fateemaah-tuz-Zahraa Khawar  Taekwondo

The selection of athletes from these disciplines reflects POA’s commitment to broadening Pakistan’s presence across a diverse range of Olympic sports. Both Haiqa and Fateemaah have shown promising progress in their respective fields and have competed in multiple international events, gaining valuable experience.

For developing sports like table tennis and taekwondo, financial support through the Olympic Solidarity Programme could prove transformative. The funding will enable these athletes to participate in global training camps, improve their technical skills, and gain more exposure through international competitions all essential steps in building their readiness for LA28.

POA: Athletes Are the Pride of Pakistan

In an official statement shared through social media platforms, the Pakistan Olympic Association praised the selected athletes, recognizing their dedication, commitment, and perseverance. The message read:

“These athletes continue to represent Pakistan with dedication, resilience, and excellence on their road to the LA28 Olympic Games.”

This statement reflects the broader sentiment that despite limited resources and infrastructure challenges, Pakistani athletes continue to excel through sheer determination and talent. The POA’s support together with the IOC’s funding is part of a long-term strategy to uplift national sports and help athletes reach their highest potential.

The Significance of the IOC Olympic Solidarity Programme

The Olympic Solidarity Programme, an initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aims to assist National Olympic Committees (NOCs), especially those with limited financial resources. Through this programme, eligible athletes receive support for:

• High-performance training

• Access to international competitions

• Coaching and mentorship

• Sports science and equipment

• Travel and accommodation for major events

For countries like Pakistan, where many sports struggle to secure adequate funding, such programmes are vital for athlete development.

Earlier in April, the POA confirmed that Pakistan’s National Olympic Committee had been officially allocated scholarships for selected athletes, paving the way for the grants now being distributed.

Looking Ahead: Pakistan’s Road to LA28

The announcement of the eight scholarship recipients marks an important step forward as Pakistan prepares for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. With consistent financial support, structured training, and international exposure, these athletes now have a stronger foundation from which to pursue success.

As Pakistan aims to expand its Olympic footprint, the future looks promising. Arshad Nadeem’s global achievements have already raised expectations for LA28, while the presence of shooters, table tennis players, and taekwondo athletes demonstrates the nation’s growing sporting diversity.

The Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Programme is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s performance in 2028 and possibly bringing home more historic achievements.