Latest news with #35thNationalGames
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
35th National Games rescheduled for December
Global warming and climate change is forcing Pakistani sports calendars to change exceedingly. On Friday, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) announced that the 35th National Games will be held from December 6-12 instead in May 2025 after they had a detailed meeting with meeting with Chief Minister Sindh on May 7 in Karachi. The Games were postponed on the advice of the Sindh Government in an announcement last month, which stated that the severe heat wave is making it difficult for the athletes to continue training and eventually competing at the Games that are taking place in Karachi after 2007. Karachi has been experiencing high temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius since April. "We had originally chalked the National Games to take place in May because in previous editions that were held in Karachi, in 1997 and 2007, they took place in May-June," The POA Secretary Khalid Mahmood told this correspondent. According to the press release, the high-level meeting in Karachi with the Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah was attended by a delegation of the POA led by its President Arif Saeed, with Senior Vice President Fatima Lakhani, Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, and Ahmed Ali Rajput, Secretary General of the Sindh Olympic Association. "The heatwave was there, and the temperatures began to rise, so we decided that nothing is more important than the well-being of the athletes. That is paramount. The Sindh Government advised us, and we have to trust them because they are the best judge on this matter. The Chief Minister of Sindh has taken complete ownership of the Games," explained. Mahmood also highlighted the need to reschedule the sports calendars, keeping two things in mind. "The two important thigs are to schedule training sessions in a way that athletes do not bear the brunt of the heatwaves and so keeping the training for the evnets and the scheduling of the events have to be such that we are not harful for the athletes and the weather is good so they can train and play, and yes, the climate change and this global warming is affecting our calneders and athletes in a big way." To tackle the challenges, he added that the POA has notified its Environment Commission to supervise the situation for the next four years. Meanwhile, he added that CM Sindh Shah has given a complete assurance of help with further assistance in budgeting for the 35th National Games, too: "He has assured that if we need more, he will sanction the amount we need." He said the National Games used to cost between Rs 20 to 25 crores. However, the cost is now almost Rs 50 crore with 7000 athletes competing in the Games due to rising costs of transport and other amenities for all the participants, including the officials. The venue for the Games will remain the same, KMC Sports Complex, but the Sindh Government has promised upgrades to the facilities. "The Chief Minister emphasized his commitment to sports and athlete development, and assured that comprehensive arrangements will be made for the safety, comfort, and high-performance environment of all participants. He instructed the concerned departments to provide top-tier accommodation, medical services, transportation, and to ensure compliance with international standards for all competition infrastructure and equipment, for which Secretary of the Sports & Youth Affairs Department Abdul Aleem Lashari will be the focal person. Among key announcements, the Chief Minister declared the construction of a new, state-of-the-art swimming pool and the procurement of advanced electronic timing and scoring systems,' read the press release.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
35th National Games postponed till Dec
Most of the grounds and facilities at sports complexes in Karachi are far from ready to host 35th National Games. PHOTO: APP Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah met with a delegation of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to finalise preparations for the 35th National Games 2025, which the CM announced that Karachi would host from December 6 to 13. Sindh will host the National Games after a gap of 18 years. Earlier, the National Games were scheduled to start from May 1. after 18 years hosted by Sindh. However, due to extreme heat in the city and other reasons, it was decided to postpone National Games. The meeting was held at the CM House, and attended by the POA delegation led by its President, Arif Saeed, Senior Vice President Fatima Lahori, Secretary General Khalid Mehmood, and Sindh Secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput. Also present was Sports Secretary Aleem Laghari, who gave a briefing on the preparations, logistics, and planning for the games. CM Shah pledged full cooperation to ensure the games are organised to international standards, directing relevant departments to provide essential facilities to athletes, including training, medical care, transportation, and modern infrastructure. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the POA, the Government of Sindh, and the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) to establish a coordinated framework for organising the games. According to Organising Secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput, around 10,000 male and female athletes, officials and others from across the country will participate in National Games to be held at 21 different venues. A total of 2760 athletes from provincial teams and 5600 from departmental teams will participate, along with 1200 technical officials and 132 veteran athletes. Water pipelines CM Murad, while presiding over a meeting to review the progress of the K-IV Augmentation Project, expressed serious concern over a burst water line at Karachi University and instructed the water board to repair it and restore the water supply immediately."This is unacceptable, that every day one or the other water transmission line bursts, ultimately the citizens have to suffer, therefore it must be resolved once and for all," he said. At the outset of the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed his dissatisfaction and directed the water board to conduct a comprehensive survey of all old lines and develop a five-year plan for their repair/replacement. "The water board needs to strengthen its system," he emphasised. Reviewing the progress on the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV Augmentation Works, KWSSIP-II), the Chief Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the project in addressing Karachi's chronic water shortage and urged all relevant agencies to remove administrative bottlenecks immediately.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
National Games in Karachi postponed again
Most of the grounds and facilities at sports complexes in Karachi are far from ready to host 35th National Games. PHOTO: APP The National Games, scheduled to begin on May 1 in Karachi, have been postponed once again. The reasons cited for the delay include extreme heat and the ongoing intermediate examinations. The Sindh Olympic Association issued an official notification today to all relevant departments, informing them that the National Games have been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. The Games were set to begin in just 13 days, and this was Sindh's first opportunity in 18 years to host the prestigious event. Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, chairman of the organising committee, emphasised the necessity of the decision, though specifics remain undisclosed. Authorities assured updates would follow, with the National Game Secretariat in Karachi coordinating future plans. The postponement affects thousands of athletes and officials nationwide, prompting calls for patience as logistical adjustments unfold. Sources revealed that the decision was influenced by the anticipated heatwave and the timing of the exams. However, concerns have been raised over the fact that both the hot weather in May and the exam schedule were already known months in advance. Insiders also disclosed that the event preparations were far from complete. Most of the grounds and facilities at the sports complexes had not undergone the necessary upgrades. Additionally, the official logo for the National Games had not been finalized, nor had the traditional torch relay been initiated. The Games were initially planned for February but were postponed to May despite the expected extreme weather conditions. With the latest postponement, a new date for the National Games is yet to be announced. Earlier last month, it was announced that the Sindh government has finalised all arrangements to host the 35th National Games, a nine-day sporting spectacle which was set to take place here from May 1 to 9. The SOA had confirmed that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have been invited to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the event while the Games' torch relay will be inaugurated by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The Games' swimming competitions was to be held at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) swimming pool and it was said that the plans were underway to construct a new state-of-the-art facility in the province to bolster aquatic sports. Key measures include enhanced security protocols, dedicated paramedical teams and ambulances on standby at all venues. However, all these plans and announcements have now become redundant due to the postponements of the Games.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak Swimming Fed stress on clean sport
A group photo of the participants at the Pakistan Swimming Federation's Good Governance in Sports, Anti-Doping, and Training for Technical Officials seminar with the federation's CEO Majid Waseem, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan and President of Sindh Women's Swimming Association Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, President of Pakistan Women's Swimming Association Yasmin Ahmed, POA Associate Secretary General Tehmina Asif among others. PHOTO COURTESY: ORGANISERS In preparation for the 35th National Games and the South Asian Games 2026, the Pakistan Swimming Federation, in collaboration with the Pakistan Women's Swimming Association, Sindh Women's Swimming and Sindh Swimming Association, organized a three-day seminar focusing on Good Governance in Sports, Anti-Doping, and Training for Technical Officials. The seminar was held at the National Sailing Center and highlighted the importance of sports development, leadership, the creation of a positive sporting environment, and athlete-centered decision-making. Notable participants included CEO of Pakistan Swimming Federation and Vice President of Pakistan Olympic Association Major (R) Majid Waseem, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan and President of Sindh Women's Swimming Association Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, President of Pakistan Women's Swimming Association Yasmin Ahmed, POA Associate Secretary General Tehmina Asif, PSF Finance Secretary Muhammad Atif Shafiq, coaches, former and current national swimmers, association members, and federation representatives. On the topic of anti-doping, Dr. Lubna Sabtain, Vice Chairperson of the POA Medical Commission, delivered an in-depth session on doping control, the importance of nutrition, and the rules and regulations of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). During the workshop for technical officials, Major (R) Majid Waseem trained participants on the responsibilities of officials in competitions, rules and regulations, and duties across various levels including timekeeping, judging, and refereeing, combining theoretical learning with practical exercises to meet international standards. Major Waseem also expressed his gratitude to StormFiber CEO Danish Lakhani for sponsoring the seminar, stating that support from the private sector for such events is a positive step forward. Ronak Lakhani emphasized that athletes are role models, and it is our responsibility to provide them with opportunities and make them aware of their rights. She noted that the seminar was highly beneficial for swimming officials, coaches, and swimmers, and expressed hope that participants would share the knowledge they gained with their respective sports communities. Commenting on good governance, Muhammad Atif Shafiq said that in the modern era, both officials and athletes must fully understand and fulfill their responsibilities. The seminar concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to the experts.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
35 short-listed in National Games hockey trials
Trials for the 35th National Games hockey event in Karachi were held at the Olympian Hanif Khan and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah Hockey Stadium at KHA Sports Complex, Gulshan-e-Iqbal. SHA selection committee Member, Olympian Wasim Feroze said that more than 70 players from across the province have participated for the men's team trials. "We have given each player a full opportunity to express their talents. This process will also be done with the women's team." Under the supervision of Chairman Selection Committee Sindh Hockey Association Olympian Iftikhar Syed, 35 best players were selected for the first phase from among the players who participated in the trials, while Sindh Olympic Association Special Representative Muhammad Asghar Baloch saw the trials as an observer. On this occasion, Olympian Iftikhar Syed said that SHA President and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has a hockey family background. "Murtaza's father, Wahab Siddiqui, was a hockey player. We participated in many competitions together," he said. Iftikhar urged Mayor Karachi to establish a high-quality hockey academy for Sindh players in the city. "We will provide free services in the academy to revive the national game. There is excellent hockey talent in the province. There is a need to provide them with training and opportunities. I am sure that Sindh team will perform well in the 35th National Games." A training camp for the Sindh team consisting of selected players will be held at the KHA Sports Complex. The names of the selected players are as follows. Goalkeepers: Abdul Rafey, Abdullah Sheikh (Karachi) Nabeel Akhtar (SBA), Fullbacks: Babar Saadat, Arsalan Khalid, Zafir Ahmed (Karachi), Adnan Ali (Mirpur Khas), M Daniyal (SBA), M Osama (Hyderabad), Fayyaz (Sukkur). Halfbacks: Arbaz Ayaz, Shahbaz Haider, Ali Afridi, Ali Abbas, Daniyal Ali, Mohsin Nawaz, Waris Naseer (Karachi) Zohaib (Sukkur) Zaman Ali (SBA), Forwards: Mujtaba, Shahzeb Khan, Hammad Ayaz, Haris Naseer, Zain, Ghulam Ali, Rashid Ali, Shahzeb Arbab (Karachi) Missam Abbas (KHR) Rehan Khan, Hammad Rizwan, M Faizan, M Israr, Munawar, (Hyderabad) Farrukh Ali Hashmi and Kamran Ali (Sukkur).
