Karachi, Pakistan: The Government of Sindh has announced an extensive sports calendar for early 2026, with plans to organise 18 major sporting events across the province between January and June. The initiative reflects the province’s renewed emphasis on promoting sports, empowering youth, and strengthening community engagement through competitive and cultural activities.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh’s Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, provincial ministers, sports officials, and key stakeholders gathered to finalise the schedule and logistics for the upcoming events. The comprehensive plan underscores the government’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and creating vibrant platforms where athletes and youth can showcase their skills.
Central to the calendar is the eagerly anticipated Thar Jeep Rally, scheduled to take place in Nangarparkar during the last week of March. This event, which captures both local and national attention, will see its competitive track extended from 92 kilometres to 150 kilometres, highlighting the challenging terrain and expanding its appeal to off-road racing enthusiasts.
Preparations are also well underway for the 19th Sindh Games, which are proposed to be held during the first week of April. The Sindh Games are expected to bring together athletes from across the province to compete in a variety of disciplines. The provincial sports department is in the process of securing budget approval from the Chief Minister’s office to ensure the event reflects the highest standards of organisation and competitive integrity.
Cricket remains a major focus within the sports calendar, with the Sardar Ghulam Muhammad Khan Mahar Cricket Tournament taking place in Sukkur from mid-January to mid-February. This month-long event features 40 teams approved by the Pakistan Cricket Board, providing a high-level competitive platform for cricket clubs throughout Sindh.
Alongside these headline events, the government has revived traditional and culturally significant competitions. A bull cart race in Thatta was held on January 24, capturing the rich heritage of rural sporting traditions. Complementing this is the Thar Festival scheduled for February 6–7 in Mithi, which blends cultural celebration with athletic festivities that draw participants and spectators alike.
The sports calendar also includes the Sindh Special Games in Karachi from February 13–15, designed to engage a broad range of athletes across age groups and abilities. Later in the season, beach games on Karachi’s coastline during the last week of April will bring competitive athletics to a scenic setting, while the Sindh Pink Football event from May 3–5 in Lyari aims to bolster enthusiasm for football, particularly among women and youth participants.
In addition to these competitions, the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Mega Mela will be hosted in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana during the final week of January, offering a mixture of cultural exhibits, entertainment, and traditional sports. The Ghotki Festival in April will provide yet another platform for local talent and community involvement.
Officials have emphasized that the strategy behind this packed sports schedule extends beyond competition. “Promoting sports and empowering the youth remains a top priority for the Sindh government,” said Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, highlighting the role of athletic events in driving social cohesion and supporting healthy lifestyles.
Supporting this vision, the Sindh government has also approved financial assistance worth Rs. 12.5 million for the welfare of 230 deserving athletes under the provincial Endowment Fund, ensuring that talented individuals can remain engaged in sports despite financial challenges. This support, provided on the directives of the Sports Minister and overseen by the Secretary Sports Sindh, aims to alleviate economic barriers for athletes and strengthen the sports ecosystem in the province.
The announcement of these 18 events marks a significant milestone in Sindh’s approach to provincial sports development. By combining traditional cultural competitions with high-profile athletic events, the government is not only enriching the province’s sports landscape but also laying the foundation for sustained community engagement and youth development.
As Sindh prepares for the first major competitions of the year, from rally racing in Thar to multi-sport festivals in Karachi and beyond, the province is poised to spotlight its athletic talent and solidify its reputation as a hub of sporting excellence in Pakistan.
