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Thursday May 15, 2025

35th National Games postponed

Teams have already started landing in Karachi for mega event planned and finalised following series of recent meetings

By Abdul Mohi Shah
April 18, 2025
Representational image shows players in action. — APP/File
Representational image shows players in action. — APP/File

ISLAMABAD: The Sindh Olympic Association (SOA), on the instructions of the Government of Sindh, has postponed the 35th National Games, which were scheduled to start in Karachi from May 1 to 9.

The teams have already started landing in Karachi for the mega event planned and finalised following a series of recent meetings.

The games are now likely to be held in November and December 2025.

The SOP, the host of the games, in a letter addressed to the participating units confirmed that due to unavoidable circumstances, the games have been postponed.

“We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, we are left with no choice but to postpone the upcoming 35th National Games-2025, which are scheduled to be held from May 1 to 9, 2025, at 21 different venues of Karachi Division. The decision has been made in consideration of the critical factors, which include the Meteorology Office has declared a high risk of heat stroke due to the current weather conditions, posing a significant threat to the health and safety of the participants, many of the participating students are currently sitting for important examinations, and their academic schedules would be severely disrupted if the games were to proceed as planned and the numerous requests from parents as well as various sports associations expressing their concerns about the safety and well-being of their children under the current weather conditions.

“Given the above circumstances, the National Games may please be rescheduled in November to December 2025, when conditions are more favourable,” the SOP Secretary, Ahmad Ali Rajput, said in a letter written to affiliated units.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of all participants, and we are committed to ensuring that the event is conducted under optimal conditions.”