The Sindh government has officially approved its annual sports calendar for the financial year 2026-27, unveiling an ambitious schedule of sporting events designed to promote athletic talent, encourage community participation, and strengthen the province’s sports culture. The comprehensive calendar features a diverse mix of traditional sports, modern competitions, esports, women’s events, inclusive games, and community festivals spread throughout the year.
According to Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to providing greater opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds while encouraging healthy lifestyles and expanding sports participation across Sindh.
One of the biggest highlights of the calendar is the 19th Sindh Games, which will be held in Sukkur in November. The multi-sport event is expected to bring together athletes from across the province, offering them an opportunity to compete at a high level and showcase their abilities in various disciplines.
Before that, Shaheed Benazirabad will host the Sindh Pink Games and Special Games in October. These events are aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports while also creating competitive opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Officials believe such initiatives will encourage greater inclusivity and help build a more diverse sporting environment throughout the province.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, will also host several major sporting events during the year. An Esports Championship is scheduled for November, reflecting the growing popularity of competitive gaming among young people. The event is expected to attract gamers from across Sindh and further strengthen the province’s presence in the rapidly expanding esports industry.
In December, Karachi will organize the Sindh Beach Games, featuring a range of beach sports and recreational competitions. The coastal event is expected to attract athletes as well as spectators looking to enjoy outdoor sporting activities.
The government’s annual sports calendar also includes one of Sindh’s most popular motorsport events. The Thar Jeep Rally will return in February 2027, attracting professional drivers and off-road enthusiasts from across Pakistan. The rally has become one of the province’s signature sporting events, showcasing the unique desert landscape while promoting tourism and adventure sports.
Several community-based festivals have also been included in the schedule. The Lyari Sports Festival will be held in April, celebrating one of Karachi’s most sports-loving communities, particularly known for producing talented footballers and boxers. In May, the province will organize the Pink Football Championship, further promoting women’s football and encouraging greater female participation in competitive sports.
One of the most unique events on the calendar is the donkey cart race, scheduled to take place in Karachi in June 2027. The traditional competition continues to remain a popular attraction and reflects Sindh’s effort to preserve local sporting traditions alongside modern athletic competitions.
Traditional indigenous sports have been given special importance in the new calendar. The government has planned multiple All Pakistan Malakhra competitions, beginning with an event in Bhit Shah during the annual Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai in July.
Another large-scale Malakhra event will be organized in Sachal Goth, Karachi, during October, while Thatta will host the traditional Kohistan Bullock Cart Race in November. Meanwhile, Hyderabad has been selected to organize the Iqbal Day Sports Festival along with a provincial chess championship.
Shaheed Benazirabad will also stage Malakhra and Kabaddi tournaments during the Urs of Sakhi Jam Datar, while another All Pakistan Malakhra Competition is planned for February 2027 during the annual Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan.
Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar emphasized that this year’s calendar has been expanded to ensure participation from every segment of society. Special sporting events have been planned for transgender individuals, persons with disabilities, university students, and prison inmates, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive sports development.
The province will also organize competitions in traditional sports such as Malakhra, Kodi Kodi, Kabaddi, and Shooting Ball across different districts. Additionally, Street Children Games featuring football, cricket, gilli danda, and tug-of-war will be held to encourage underprivileged children to participate in healthy recreational activities.
Besides organizing competitions, the Sindh government has also announced financial assistance for various sports associations to strengthen coaching, player development, and event management throughout the province.
Officials believe the new sports calendar will not only promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles but also help identify emerging talent capable of representing Sindh and Pakistan at national and international competitions. By combining modern sports with traditional cultural events, the government aims to create a balanced sporting ecosystem that celebrates both heritage and future opportunities for athletes across the province.
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