ISLAMABAD: The 35th edition of Pakistan’s National Games has been rescheduled to take place in Karachi from 6 to 13 December, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) confirmed on Tuesday.
Earlier this year, the event had already been postponed twice. This marks the third occasion the POA has amended the schedule.
The change follows earlier delays caused by severe summer heat and a heatwave warning issued for Sindh.
The POA has sent official correspondence to all sports federations, associations, and relevant bodies, requesting details regarding the number of participating athletes, event logistics, and the budget needed to organise the Games.
Preparations for Games
Previously, Sindh Sports Secretary Aleem Lashari informed the media that the new dates were selected to ensure more favourable weather conditions for the event.
“Preparations for the December Games are currently in progress. The revised schedule was chosen to allow athletes to compete in safer conditions, free from health risks,” he stated.
It is worth noting that the National Games are Pakistan’s premier multi-sport event, organised by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the POA, and the host province.
The Games are of great significance as they bring together athletes from across the country to compete in a wide range of sports.
Historically, the Pakistan Army has been the most successful contingent, having won 28 out of the 34 official editions to date.
Lahore, recognised as Pakistan’s cultural capital, holds the record for hosting the Games most frequently—ten times. Other major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar, have also served as hosts in various editions.
