KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to host the 35th National Games in Karachi from May 1 to 9 and the Thar Jeep Rally in Mithi from April 10 to 13, provincial Sports Minister Sardar Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar announced here on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahar stated that the president Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would attend the opening and closing ceremonies at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, for which arrangements had been finalised.

“The games will be held across 21 venues in Karachi, featuring 34 sports and participation from 10,000 male and female athletes and officials,” he told reporters.

Mahar during the presser said that teams from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan would compete in the National Games.

“Departmental teams from Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Wapda, Railways, Police and the Higher Education Commission will also participate in the national gala,” he added.

“The Games will feature 2,760 athletes from provincial teams and 5,600 from departmental outfits, alongside 1,200 technical officials and 132 traditional athletes.”

He further said that the National Games were being held in Sindh after 18 years, with all logistical challenges resolved. “The Olympic committee has finalised the venues, and 21 locations in Karachi have been selected [in this regard],” Mahar said.

Regarding the Thar Jeep Rally, Mahar announced that the event will be held in Mithi from April 10 to 13, featuring 10 categories and 60 drivers. A motorcycle category will also be a part of the event.

Former provincial minister Nader Magsi noted that the Thar Rally was initially planned for February but postponed due to the holy month of Ramazan.

“Efforts are underway to introduce a truck category in Thar [rally],” Magsi said stressing the need to include motor sports in the National Games.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025