Olympic champion and Pakistan’s javelin sensation Arshad Nadeem has been named captain of Pakistan’s 36-member contingent for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
The appointment marks another milestone in Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable sporting journey, as the athlete who brought historic Olympic glory to Pakistan will now lead the national team at one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events.
The Pakistan Sports Board has appointed Major General Adil Rehmani as the Chef de Mission for the Pakistani contingent. He will oversee administrative arrangements, coordination, and logistical matters throughout the competition.
Pakistan’s delegation will participate in six sporting disciplines, including athletics, boxing, swimming, gymnastics, judo, and lawn bowls. The team will aim to improve on past performances and further strengthen Pakistan’s presence at the Commonwealth Games.
Arshad Nadeem will lead the athletics squad, which includes talented athletes such as Faiqa Riaz, Ansar Abbas, Muhammad Akhtar, Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Yasir, and Noreen Hussain. The athletes will look to continue Pakistan’s proud tradition in track and field events.
The boxing team includes Afzal Khan, Fatima Zahra, Malaika Zahid, Qudratullah, and Samama Rehman Butt, who will represent Pakistan in the ring. In other disciplines, Shehzad Ali will compete in gymnastics, Shah Hussain will participate in judo, while Maqsood Wasim Khan and Muhammad Ayub Qureshi will represent Pakistan in lawn bowls.
The swimming squad features Hamza Asif, Hareem Malik, Jehanara Nabi, and Muhammad Ahmad Durrani, who will compete against some of the best athletes from across the Commonwealth.
Pakistan has a long history at the Commonwealth Games, making its debut in 1954. Over the years, the country has won 82 medals, including 27 gold, 27 silver, and 28 bronze medals.
Pakistan’s previous Commonwealth Games success includes historic performances by athletes such as Arshad Nadeem and weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt. Arshad’s gold medal-winning performance in athletics at Birmingham 2022 ended Pakistan’s 60-year wait for a Commonwealth Games athletics gold, while Nooh Dastgir Butt also secured gold in the men’s +109kg weightlifting category with a record-breaking performance.
With Arshad Nadeem leading the team, Pakistan’s 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign carries hopes of achieving new milestones and enhancing the country’s sporting reputation on the international stage.
