In a troubling development during the World University Games 2025 in Germany, two Pakistani athletes — Nadeem (100m sprinter) and Shazil (high jumper) — have unexpectedly gone missing, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s sports administration and sparking national embarrassment.
Both athletes are affiliated with the University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore. UCP’s Director of Sports, Arshad Sattar, and Mushtaq, Director of Sports at COMSATS University Islamabad, accompanied the team as athlete manager. The Pakistani delegation was led by Javed Ali Memon, Director of Sports at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), who is reportedly on deputation from Sindh and has no formal background in sports.
Sources have revealed that Nadeem had only secured third place in the 100m race at the National Athletics Championship, despite HEC’s stated policy that only gold medalists should be selected for participation in the World University Games. Allegations have emerged suggesting that both Nadeem and Shazil may have paid large sums of money to secure their place on the team — a serious accusation that raises major concerns about transparency and meritocracy.
The disappearance came to light just before a reception hosted by the Pakistani Embassy in Germany to honor the national athletes. It was later confirmed that both athletes had intentionally absconded. This incident is not only a blow to the image of Pakistani sports on the global stage, but also a stark reflection of the mismanagement and lack of oversight within the system.
Adding to the controversy is the fact that both athletes delivered poor performances at the Games. Nadeem finished last in his initial heat, while Shazil failed to make any notable impact in his event.
The central question now is whether any disciplinary action will be taken against Mushtaq, Javed Ali Memon, or the senior leadership at HEC. Will there be accountability for this irresponsible conduct, or will the matter, as has often happened in the past, be quietly brushed under the rug?
The incident has sparked widespread criticism from Pakistan’s sports community and the general public, who are now demanding a transparent investigation. There are growing calls for the authorities to hold those responsible to account and to reform the selection and management processes for international events — ensuring only deserving, qualified athletes represent the nation. Without such reforms, Pakistan risks further humiliation on the global stage.
