KARACHI: The Sindh government has finalised all arrangements to host the 35th National Games, a nine-day sporting spectacle set to take place here from May 1 to 9, under the joint supervision of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) and provincial authorities Sindh Minister of Sports Sardar Mohammad Baksh Mahar announced on Tuesday.

Mahar, who is also the SOA president, confirmed that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have been invited to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the event, which is expected to draw athletes and delegates from across Pakistan.

The Games’ torch relay will be inaugurated by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, signaling the countdown to the multi-sport event.

Chairing a high-level meeting at a local hotel, Mahar revealed that swimming competitions will be held at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) swimming pool, with plans underway to construct a new state-of-the-art facility in the province to bolster aquatic sports.

He emphasized that the Games represent a “national endeavor,” adding, “Our goal is to elevate Sindh’s athletes from national prominence to international”.

The meeting, attended by Pakistan Olympic Association secretary Khalid Mahmood, sports secretary Abdul Aleem Lashari, SOA officials, and representatives of sports federations, reviewed logistical and administrative plans.

Key measures include enhanced security protocols, dedicated paramedical teams and ambulances on standby at all venues.

Khalid confirmed that participating athletes will receive daily allowances and accommodation facilities, while hospitals have been directed to prioritise emergency services for the Games.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2025