35th National Games 2025: A Triumph of POA and PSB’s joint vision and planning
35th National Games 2025: A Triumph of POA and PSB’s joint vision and planning
By Nawaz Gohar ; Karachi’s successful hosting of the 35th National Games 2025 stands as a major milestone in Pakistan’s sporting history, reflecting the fruitful efforts of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
The event, the country’s largest multi-sport competition, has opened new avenues for sports development in Pakistan, thanks to timely planning, strong coordination, and well-executed strategies by both institutions.
The grand opening ceremony, held on 6 December 2025 at the National Stadium Karachi, featured more than 11,000 athletes and officials. The evening included an impressive march-past of contingents from across the country, while internationally acclaimed javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem lit the torch to officially inaugurate the Games.
The presence of national leaders, sports officials, and dignitaries added further prestige to the ceremony. Behind this successful spectacle was the effective joint strategy crafted by the POA and PSB, ensuring that every aspect, from stadium preparation to security, protocol, and programming, met exceptional professional standards.
Following Karachi’s selection as the host city, the POA and PSB jointly developed a comprehensive and integrated operational plan. Competitions for 32 sports across 24 venues, arrangements for athlete accommodation and transportation, foolproof security protocols, and the active participation of key provincial and national institutions, including the Armed Forces, Navy, WAPDA, Police, and HEC, gave the event a truly national character. Their coordinated planning resulted in a well-organized, secure, and internationally aligned multi-sport event.
It is also noteworthy that the first-ever National Games were inaugurated in Karachi by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1948. Nearly 18 years later, the city once again hosted this historic sporting festival. Reviving this legacy was made possible through the POA’s long-term sports strategy and the PSB’s infrastructure support.
The participation of thousands of athletes provided young talent with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their abilities, an essential step towards future achievements on national and international stages. The Games also helped strengthen Pakistan’s sports culture, promote inter-institutional cooperation, and highlight the increasing participation of women athletes, significant outcomes for both Pakistan’s sports policy and broader socio-economic development.
In conclusion, the successful organization of the 35th National Games 2025 stands as clear proof that with vision, determination, and coordinated planning, major sporting events are not only achievable but can also play a pivotal role in shaping a stronger national future. This historic accomplishment by the Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board demonstrates that Pakistan is fully prepared to further strengthen its place on the global sports landscape.
