Pakistan is set to host the South Asian Cross Country Athletics Championship for the first time in its history, with the event set to take place on November 24th at F-9 Park in Islamabad.
Athletes from seven South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives will travel to Pakistan for the event, marking a significant milestone for athletics in the country.
During a press conference, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf revealed that the event would be sponsored by a private housing society.
Highlighting the significance of this international gathering, an official from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) expressed pride in hosting such a prestigious championship, calling it a “major milestone for Pakistan’s sporting landscape.”
The Pakistan Sports Board has also granted the required no-objection certificate (NOC) to ensure smooth preparations, and government clearance has been confirmed for all participating teams, including India’s.
The championship will be held exclusively within the confines of F-9 Park, providing a challenging course with natural terrain for the athletes.
Cross-country running is another demanding endurance sport involving courses that typically range from 3 to 12 kilometres over varied surfaces like grass, dirt, and gravel, as well as natural obstacles like hills and woodlands. Athletes can compete both individually or as teams, with scoring based on both personal and collective performance.
The event not only showcases top South Asian talent but also highlights Islamabad’s growing status as a host for international athletic events.
Pakistani athletes have usually done well when it comes to running competitions both local and on the international stage and the upcoming South Asian Cross Country Championship will provide another gilded opportunity for them to showcase their skills.
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