The South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Cross Country Championships, slated for November 24 in Islamabad, has been officially postponed due to the ongoing hazardous smog engulfing central Punjab.
In a decision reached after extensive consultations between government authorities and SAAF leadership, the event was deferred as air quality reached critically dangerous levels, posing serious health risks.
The unrelenting smog, which has triggered widespread closures of schools and restricted business hours, has also obstructed crucial travel routes, including both road and air pathways.
Two participating teams, originally set to journey from Lahore to Islamabad, faced severe logistical challenges amid road closures and limited flight operations, prompting further concerns about the safety and feasibility of hosting the event as planned.
“This decision, though disappointing, was unavoidable given the risks,” a federation spokesperson noted. “The health of our athletes and everyone involved remains our top priority.”
Organizers are expected to announce rescheduled dates in the coming months, with plans to hold the championships when conditions are assuredly safer.
Pakistan was 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.