Pakistan Announces Flag Bearers for Asian Games 2026

Pakistan has announced the selection of its flag bearers for the 2026 Asian Games set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The country's Olympic Association revealed that captain of the women's cricket team, Fatima Sana, and rising squash star Noor Zaman will honor the nation during the opening ceremony on September 19. Both athletes will carry the Pakistani flag as the ceremonial representatives.

The POA also disclosed that Pakistan will participate in the Games with a team of 246 athletes across 23 different sports disciplines, including cricket, squash, hockey, athletics, and esports. The multi-sport event will unfold from September 19 to October 4.

Meanwhile, Japan is grappling with accommodation difficulties due to a significant surge in the number of participants. Reports suggest that the participant count could potentially increase from 15,000 to around 17,000. Unlike previous editions, the Games will not feature a traditional athletes' village. Instead, a mix of temporary container-style accommodations, hotel stays, and even the Costa Serena cruise ship will host athletes, officials, and some participants.

Around 4,000 to 5,000 athletes are projected to reside aboard the Costa Serena, which is currently docked off the coast of Nagoya and is scheduled to stay until October 4.