Preparations for National Games begin

LAHORE: Sindh has started homework to hold the 35th National Games in Karachi in December 2024.

Sindh, who had last conducted the country’s elite spectacle way back in 2007, has been allotted the 35th edition of the country’s premier event whose timeline is ideal as Pakistan is supposed to host the 14th South Asian Games early next year.

“Yes we are confident to host the Games in December if the things go in the right direction,” a highly credible source told ‘The News’ on Sunday.

This correspondent has learnt that Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar has advised the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) to start preparations for the biennial spectacle. “We have submitted the proposed budget and if it is approved then we are confident to organize the Games by December,” the source said.

“Our 90 percent venues are ready and we have the potential to organize the Games in befitting way. We plan to work on the infrastructure where it will be necessary to do so. When we will start working these things relating to infrastruture will automatically be covered,” the source said.

The source said that they plan to hold the opening and closing ceremonies at the PSB Coaching Centre, Karachi. “It’s a big venue and recently we held Sindh Games and the PSB Coaching Centre was even enough for 5000 athletes,” the official said.

Asked why they don’t consider Peoples Sports Complex Lyari the source said that it is out of the way. “It’s out of way and remote,” the source said. “I think there will be 5000 athletes and officials and PSB Coaching Centre offers enough space for both the ceremonies,” the source stressed.

The source said that Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Sports Commission will decide the strength of the participating units. The source said that unlike last time in 2007 when Karachi hosted National Games this time the weather of Karachi will be ideal for hosting the Games.

“I think it will not be difficult and athletes will enjoy whether we go for it in December or January,” the source said. The source said that soon a meeting of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) will be held with the Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar, who is also the SOA president, and the Games matters will be discussed.

“After that we will invite Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) delegation to hold meeting with the Sindh government and SOA and will decide dates and then it will be officially announced. The units will also be advised to start preparation for the event,” the source said.

“It’s a POA event and will be organised by the SOA with the financial support of Sindh government,” the source said. The source said that the PSB Coaching Centre tartan-track is old and they plan to hold the athletics meet at the NED University.