53rd National Athletics Championships Postponed Due to Track Issues in Islamabad

The 53rd National Athletics Championships, which were scheduled to take place at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Complex from 29 to 31 December 2025, have been postponed due to the unavailability of the athletics track.

In an official notification signed by Lt Col Shahjehan Mir (Retd), Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), the federation informed all concerned that the event cannot go ahead on the announced dates because the track has not been made available by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

The letter explains that the athletics track at Jinnah Sports Complex is currently subject to issues between PSB and the contractor responsible for the facility, and that the surface is still awaiting certification from World Athletics.

In the absence of clearance and formal handover, the AFP stated that it is not in a position to host a national championship at the venue.

The AFP, however, recorded its appreciation for the directions issued by the Secretary, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) for extending full cooperation and ensuring the provision of a suitable athletics track in Islamabad for the “mega event”. The federation has indicated that it will work with PSB and relevant authorities to secure an approved venue.

As a result of the postponement, athletes, departments, and affiliated units that had prepared squads for the late-December dates will now have to revise their plans.

The AFP has confirmed that revised dates and venue for the 53rd National Athletics Championships will be communicated later, once the venue and track certification issues are resolved.