The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has announced that the 35th National Games will be held in Karachi from May 6 to 16, 2025, while the inaugural National Youth Games are set for Lahore from September 7 to 13, 2025. The National Games will feature 26 sports for men and 23 for women, with the POA Sports Commission considering the inclusion of six additional disciplines. The Youth Games aim to provide a platform for athletes aged 14–17, preparing them for events like the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
In a move to bolster youth sports development, POA President Arif Saeed plans to present a proposal to the government, emphasizing the need for enhanced support for emerging athletes. This includes establishing a registration framework through regional and provincial Olympic associations, as well as offering scholarships and specialized training programs.
Additionally, the POA has appointed Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, as the Chef de Mission for the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. The association also approved the schedule for the 14th South Asian Games, slated to take place in Pakistan in January 2026. Karachi has been selected as the host city for the King’s Baton Relay in connection with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
These developments underscore the POA’s commitment to advancing sports and nurturing young talent across Pakistan.
