Karachi is set to host the 35th National Games in October 2025, following a decision by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

The Secretary General of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, penned down a letter to the Secretary General of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA), Ahmed Ali Rajput, informing about the decision made by the POA General Council in its meeting.

As per the letter to SOA, Mahmood stated that the event was initially proposed for January or February 2025, but due to pending funds from the Sindh government, the dates have been postponed.

Adding that the POA General Council finalized this timeline during its meeting on November 30, 2024, in Lahore, after recommendations from its Sports Commission and Executive Committee.

Meanwhile, the key decisions and deadlines for the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) include:

Confirming the Sindh government’s budget approval by December 31, 2024.

Forming Steering and Organizing Committees by January 15, 2025, in consultation with POA.

Submitting a complete plan for competition venues, accommodation, transport, medical services, and security by January 31, 2025.

Hosting the first stakeholder meeting in Karachi by February 2025.

The revised rules for the National Games will also be announced soon, according to POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood.

It is worth noting here that the First Pakistan National Games were organized during the 3rd week of April, 1948 in Karachi.

The Games were inaugurated by the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah who at that time was seriously ill, and his personal physician advised him not to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

He however not only participated in the Opening Ceremony, but later along with his sister Miss Fatima Jinnah awarded prizes to all the medal winners and declared the Games closed.