35th National Games Shelved Until December

Karachi is set to take center stage for the 35th National Games of Pakistan, now officially rescheduled to run from December 6 to 13. The announcement came on Friday from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who confirmed the new dates after the games were postponed from their original May slot due to what officials described as “unavoidable circumstances.”

In a high-level meeting held at CM House, Chief Minister Murad met with a delegation from the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to finalize the roadmap for the upcoming event.

With Karachi now firmly back in the spotlight, the province is preparing to deliver a sporting showcase that reflects both ambition and a renewed commitment to athletic development. The chief minister expressed strong support for the games, pledging full government cooperation and insisting that the event would be organized in line with international standards.

To back those words, the chief minister announced the construction of a new swimming pool and the procurement of modern electronic timing and scoring systems. These additions are designed to raise the quality of the 35th National Games and give athletes the tools to perform at their best. He also instructed all relevant departments to ensure athletes are provided with proper training facilities, medical care, transportation, and infrastructure ahead of the event.

The POA President, Arif Saeed, who led the visiting delegation, commended the Sindh government for its proactive approach and stressed that the games had already begun generating excitement among athletes across the country.

With December now locked in, the countdown begins for what promises to be a pivotal moment for sports in Pakistan.

Karachi, once again, has the opportunity to be more than just a host city; it has the chance to inspire a new generation of athletes and remind the country of the power of well-organized, inclusive, and forward-looking national competition.