KARACHI: For the first time, Pakistan will host the South Asian Cross Country Athletics Championship on November 24.
Officials announced on Wednesday that the championship, taking place in Islamabad, marks a significant milestone for Pakistani athletes. The event will welcome participants from seven South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
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The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has confirmed that the government has granted clearance to all participating teams, including India’s, facilitating their international participation. An AFP official noted, “This is a significant event for Pakistan’s sporting landscape,” and added that the Pakistan Sports Board has issued the necessary no objection certificate (NOC) for the championship.
Cross country running is a long-distance sport in which individuals and teams compete over natural terrain, typically ranging from three to 12 kilometers. Courses often feature varied surfaces, including grass, dirt, and gravel, along with natural obstacles such as hills and woodlands. Athletes are evaluated based on both their individual performance and a team-based points system.
