Pak Game Boost: National Games, Youth Games Announced
The National Games and National Youth Games will feature a range of sports, including 26 sports for men and 23 for women, with a focus on grooming athletes for international competitions. The events will provide a platform for young talent in Pakistan to showcase their skills and represent their provinces at the highest level.
The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has announced the dates for the 35th National Games and the inaugural National Youth Games, aiming to promote youth sports development and provide a platform for athletes to represent their provinces at the highest level.
The National Games will be held in Karachi from May 6 to 16, featuring 26 sports for men and 23 for women, with the possibility of adding six more sports. The event is expected to showcase athletes from across the country and provide a stepping stone for young talent in Pakistan. The National Youth Games, designed for athletes aged 14-17, will take place in Lahore from September 7 to 13, serving as a crucial platform for grooming athletes for international competitions.
The POA has also announced plans to introduce a registration framework, scholarships, and specialized training programs for young athletes. The organization has appointed Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan as the Chef de Mission for the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. Additionally, Pakistan has been chosen to host the 14th South Asian Games in January 2026, with the King's Baton Relay set to pass through Karachi in connection with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
The POA's Executive Committee will hold a crucial meeting in Lahore to finalize decisions for the 35th National Games in Karachi, as Ramadan is approaching, leaving limited time for preparations. A four-member POA venue inspection committee has already reviewed 28 proposed venues in Karachi and will present its report and recommendations at the meeting.
The announcement of the National Games and National Youth Games is a significant step towards promoting sports development in Pakistan, despite historical challenges between the POA, government, and national sports federations. The events are expected to provide a much-needed boost to the sports sector in the country.
