ISLAMABAD: Navy has formally urged the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) to postpone the 54th National Athletics Championship 2026, citing extreme heatwave conditions and serious health risks to athletes, officials and support staff in Karachi.
According to an official letter sent to the AFP Secretary, the championship is scheduled to take place in Karachi from May 14 to 17, during which the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast temperatures soaring up to 47°C, with humidity levels reaching nearly 80 percent.
The letter warned that the combination of extreme heat and humidity could create “life-threatening conditions” for athletes participating in high-intensity outdoor events. Navy letter stated that, due to the ongoing heatwave, it has already suspended all physical and combat training activities in Karachi to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The communication further highlighted international medical research and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, stating that prolonged exposure to temperatures above 40°C during strenuous physical activity can lead to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, electrolyte imbalance, organ failure and even death in extreme cases.
