‘Enough time before National Games to build new swimming pool’

KARACHI: Seasoned water sports organiser Engineer Syed Mahfooz ul Haq has said that with the extension of the 35th National Games, there is now enough time to either build a new international standard swimming pool or renovate the existing one at the KMC Sports Complex.

The games have been delayed by more than six months due to the ongoing heatwave in Karachi. Originally scheduled for May, the National Games will now take place from December 6 to 13.

There was concern where the swimming competitions would be held, as Karachi currently lacks a high-standard swimming facility. Speaking to The News on Tuesday, Mahfooz, who is experienced in organising water sports, urged the Sindh government, and the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) to address this issue. It has to be mentioned that under the earlier plan, swimming events were to be held in Lahore.

But with the extended timeline, there is now enough opportunity to host these events in Karachi. Sources confirmed that the SOA is eager to hold the swimming competitions in Karachi.

Mahfooz proposed two options: either renovate the existing KMC swimming pool off Kashmir Road or construct a new facility at the National Coaching Center or Expo Center, both of which have sufficient land.

He praised the Sindh government for its efforts in developing sports infrastructure across the province, including laying several astro turfs for hockey, tartan tracks for athletics, new sports complexes, football grounds, and floodlit cricket stadiums.

“There’s no doubt that a strong sports infrastructure network now exists across Sindh,” he said. “But it’s surprising that Karachi still lacks an international-standard swimming pool. This issue must be resolved once and for all—not only for hosting events but also to provide daily training and facilities for swimmers.” He emphasised that Karachi, being the country’s largest city, should have facilities for Olympic sports so that major national events can be held here without difficulty.