Islamabad, October 3, 2024 – The Europe Today: For the first time in history, Pakistan will host the prestigious South Asian Cross Country Athletics Championship on November 24, according to a report by Geo News on Thursday, quoting official sources.
The event, a major milestone for the country’s athletic community, will take place in Islamabad and feature participants from seven South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) confirmed that the government has granted clearance for all international teams, including India’s, marking a smooth and inclusive process for the event. Officials highlighted the significance of the championship for Pakistan’s sports landscape.
“This is a landmark event for Pakistan, bringing international attention to our growing athletic prowess,” an AFP official said. He further noted that the Pakistan Sports Board had issued the required No Objection Certificate (NOC), paving the way for the successful execution of the championship.
Cross country running, the focus of this event, is a challenging long-distance sport where athletes race over natural terrain. The courses, typically spanning 3 to 12 kilometers, often feature varied surfaces such as grass, dirt, and gravel, along with natural obstacles like hills and woodlands. Athletes are evaluated based on both individual performance and team-based point systems, making it a comprehensive test of endurance and teamwork.
The upcoming championship promises to be a thrilling spectacle, positioning Pakistan as a key player in South Asia’s athletic arena.
