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.
