Dates for National and Youth Games 2025 Revealed

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has finally unveiled plans for two major sports events this year, including the dates for the 35th National Games. Karachi and Lahore have been selected as the host cities for the National Games and the inaugural National Youth Games, respectively. The announcement was made during the POA Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday, chaired by POA President Arif Saeed.

The National Games, a multi-sport event featuring a wide range of disciplines and athletes from across Pakistan, will be held in Karachi from May 1 to 9. A total of 26 sports for men and 23 for women will be contested, with the POA Sports Commission also evaluating the inclusion of six additional sports. The games will serve as an opportunity for athletes from across the country to showcase their skills and represent their provinces at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Lahore will host the first-ever National Youth Games from September 7 to 13. This event is specifically designed for athletes aged 14-17, offering a vital platform to develop and nurture young talent in Pakistan. The games are seen as an essential stepping stone for these athletes, with a focus on preparing them for the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games in the future.

While the announcement of these events is a positive step for sports in Pakistan, challenges between the POA, the government, and national sports federations have historically hindered the progress of sports development. Disagreements dating back to the national sports policy introduced in 2005 have slowed alignment between key stakeholders, affecting the overall standard of sports in the country.

With off-field issues still in the limelight, the POA will be hoping that a successful staging of the 35th National Games will shift the focus back to facilitating athletes and improving sports infrastructure in the country.