The wait is finally over. After 18 long years, the National Games have returned to the City of Lights.
Starting tomorrow, December 6th, Karachi will transform into the sports capital of Pakistan. Over 11,000 athletes and officials have descended on our city for the 35th National Games, ready to compete in 32 different disciplines.
If you’re a sports fan, this is your Olympics. If you’re just a regular Karachiite trying to get to work, you need to know about the traffic. Here is your complete guide to the next 8 days of action.
The Big Picture: What, When, Where?
- Dates: December 6 – December 13, 2025.
- Opening Ceremony: Tomorrow (Dec 6) at the National Bank Stadium. Expect fireworks, a parade of athletes, and a performance by the legendary Hadiqa Kiani. President Asif Ali Zardari is the scheduled Chief Guest.
- The Mascot: Keep an eye out for the “Indus Queen”—the official mascot representing our blind Indus Dolphin.
The Venues: Where is the Action?
Unlike a cricket match that only happens at the stadium, these games are spread across the entire city. Here is where you can catch the biggest events:
- Football & Volleyball: KPT Sports Complex (West Wharf).
- Boxing: Peoples Sports Complex (Lyari) – Expect the crowd here to be electric.
- Athletics (Track & Field): NPTSC (Karsaz).
- Swimming: KMC Sports Complex (Kashmir Road).
- Hockey: Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium.
- Basketball: Habib Public School.
The Rivalry to Watch: Army vs. WAPDA
This is the “Pakistan vs. India” of domestic sports.
Pakistan Army has been the undisputed king of the National Games for decades, usually sweeping the medal table. But WAPDA has been closing the gap, investing heavily in elite athletes like Arshad Nadeem (who we hope to see at the opening ceremony!).
Watch out for the track and field events at Karsaz. This is where the battle for the “Quaid-e-Azam Trophy” will be decided.
The “Raza Rants” Reality Check (Controversy Alert)
It wouldn’t be Pakistani sports without a little drama. Just days before the event, Cycling was completely removed from the schedule due to internal politics within the federation. It is heartbreaking for the cyclists who trained for years only to be told to stay home. We need to do better for our athletes.
Traffic Alert for Karachiites 🚗
With the opening ceremony tomorrow at the National Stadium, expect heavy security protocols on:
- Stadium Road (Dalmia)
- Karsaz Road
- Sir Shah Suleman Road (Hassan Square to Stadium)
The traffic police have advised using University Road or Shahrah-e-Faisal as alternatives. If you aren’t going to the games, avoid the Stadium area from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM tomorrow!
Final Verdict
Despite the traffic and the politics, this is a moment of pride for Karachi. The National Games are a reminder that Pakistan is bursting with talent that goes far beyond cricket.
Go watch a boxing match in Lyari. Cheer for the sprinters at Karsaz. Let’s show the country that Karachi knows how to host a show.
Are you planning to watch any events? Let me know in the comments!