Pakistan set to host South Asian Cross Country Athletics Championship for first time

KARACHI: For the first time, the South Asian Cross Country Athletics Championship will be held in Pakistan on November 24, Geo News reported on Thursday quoting officials as saying.

The officials on Wednesday said the event, scheduled to be held in Islamabad, was a big milestone for Pakistani athletes.

It will feature athletes 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 to all participating teams, including India's, ensuring a smooth process for international participation.

"This is a significant event for Pakistan's sporting landscape," an AFP official said, adding that the Pakistan Sports Board has also issued the necessary no objection certificate (NOC) for the event.

Cross country running is a long-distance sport where individuals and teams compete over natural terrain. The courses typically range from three to 12 kilometres and often feature varied surfaces, including grass, dirt, and gravel, along with natural obstacles like hills and woodlands. 

Athletes are evaluated both on their individual performance and through a team-based points system.