SAOC members to visit Jinnah Stadium, other venues

ISLAMABAD: South Asian Olympic Committee (SAOC) members are to inspect Jinnah Stadium and adjacent venues on February 26 which are to host some important sports discipline during the 14th South Asian Games to be hosted by Pakistan at the start of 2026.

In yet another reminder to the Capital Administration, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) again requested not to use the state-of-the-art facilities for the Jashan-e-Baharan festival, including the Mashal Parade, Camel Band, Weapon Drill and Tent-Pegging

“A high-level SAOC delegation is scheduled to inspect the competition venues on the same dates (26 February 2025) as part of Pakistan’s preparations for the 14th SAF Games. Any deterioration in the stadium’s condition may jeopardize Pakistan’s ability to host these games, leading to potential disqualification of the venue and damaging Pakistan’s reputation on the global stage. Moreover, if Jinnah Stadium is unavailable on these dates, the visit of the SAOC delegates would be rendered meaningless, which could, in turn, put Pakistan’s hosting rights for the SAF Games at risk,” the second reminder written by the PSB to the Capital Administration says.

In the first letter dated 11 February 2025 titled “Non-Availability of Jinnah Stadium for Tent Pegging Event” addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad, it was categorically stated that Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex, cannot be made available for non-sporting activities.”

Reports however are that the Administration has made up its mind to host these traditional sports shows at the Jinnah Stadium and Liaquat Gymnasium. It has also been communicated to the Capital administration that work on the track of Jinnah Stadium is currently underway as part of preparations for the South Asian Games (SAF Games). “Hosting any unauthorized activity at this stage would not only cause substantial damage but also lead to massive financial losses, as costly repairs would be required to restore the stadium to its international standards. This, in turn, would result in a significant loss of revenue and financial burden on the national exchequer.”

“ PSB will not be responsible for any damages arising from unauthorized events, and the entire responsibility for any financial loss to the exchequer due to unauthorized activities will rest solely with the organizers. The stance of PSB, as already communicated in the first letter.” PSB again denied a request to use Jinnah Stadium for anything other than the Olympics and related sports.

The PSB letter suggested several other options including the adjacent Polo Ground as a perfect place to hold such events. There is a serious chance that any misadventure at the Sports Complex facilities would be disastrous for its future utilization for sports events.