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== History == |
== History == |
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The [[YMCA|YMCA Karachi chapter]] was established in 1905–1906. It was given the rights for holding sport activities in 1913. For decades after [[Pakistan]]’s independence, the YMCA Ground functioned as a centre for youth and community sports. Historically, the YMCA Ground featured a 300-metre athletics track, Hockey fields, tennis and basketball courts, Badminton, table tennis, and martial-arts facilities, and |
The [[YMCA|YMCA Karachi chapter]] was established in 1905–1906. It was given the rights for holding sport activities in 1913. For decades after [[Pakistan]]’s independence, the YMCA Ground functioned as a centre for youth and community sports. Historically, the YMCA Ground featured a 300-metre athletics track, Hockey fields, tennis and basketball courts, Badminton, table tennis, and martial-arts facilities, and canteen and meeting area that served as a gathering place for Karachi’s sports community.<ref name=”:0″ /> |
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It produced several national-level athletes and became a regular venue for inter-school and inter-university tournaments.<ref name=”:0″>{{cite news |
It produced several national-level athletes and became a regular venue for inter-school and inter-university tournaments.<ref name=”:0″>{{cite news |
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By 2021, the site was described as “occupied” with debris, vehicles and unauthorised structures, raising safety concerns for the adjoining YMCA School. The athletics track was removed, and organised sporting activity ceased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |first=Our |date=2021-05-22 |title=”Marriage halls, marquees removed from YMCA” |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301023/marriage-halls-marquees-removed-from-ymca |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”:1″ /> |
By 2021, the site was described as “occupied” with debris, vehicles and unauthorised structures, raising safety concerns for the adjoining YMCA School. The athletics track was removed, and organised sporting activity ceased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |first=Our |date=2021-05-22 |title=”Marriage halls, marquees removed from YMCA” |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301023/marriage-halls-marquees-removed-from-ymca |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”:1″ /> |
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After years of deterioration, restoration began under the supervision of the [[Commissioner of Karachi]] and the [[Supreme Court of Pakistan]]’s anti-encroachment directives. In January 2019, sports returned to the ground after 16 years, marked by an exhibition hockey match between President KHA XI and Commissioner Karachi XI.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zuberi |first=Anwar |date=2019-01-19 |title=Long wait ends as sporting activities return to YMCA ground |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1458357 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref> In November 2020, city officials announced the construction of a jogging track, underground reservoir, and green-belt restoration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Syed Intikhab |date=2020-10-12 |title=Sports activities at YMCA to be revived soon |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/727941-n-a |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en-US}}</ref> By 2021, Rs 95 million renovation |
After years of deterioration, restoration began under the supervision of the [[Commissioner of Karachi]] and the [[Supreme Court of Pakistan]]’s anti-encroachment directives. In January 2019, sports returned to the ground after 16 years, marked by an exhibition hockey match between President KHA XI and Commissioner Karachi XI.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zuberi |first=Anwar |date=2019-01-19 |title=Long wait ends as sporting activities return to YMCA ground |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1458357 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref> In November 2020, city officials announced the construction of a jogging track, underground reservoir, and green-belt restoration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Syed Intikhab |date=2020-10-12 |title=Sports activities at YMCA to be revived soon |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/727941-n-a |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en-US}}</ref> By 2021, Rs 95 million renovation by the firm Arch launched, including new changing rooms, hockey and basketball facilities, and future swimming-pool construction.<ref name=”:1″ /> |
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As of the 2020s, the ground hosts occasional sports and cultural events. In December 2024, the venue was used for the 17th [[International Urdu Conference]] organised by the [[Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi|Arts Council of Pakistan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=News |date=2024-12-06 |title=‘Literature’s function is to make thinking and dreaming possible’ |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1258623-literature-s-function-is-to-make-thinking-and-dreaming-possible |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salman |first=Peerzada |date=2024-12-06 |title=With bigger venue, Urdu Conference kicks off |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1876982 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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Revision as of 21:06, 13 November 2025
Sports ground and public park in Karachi, Pakistan
Young Men’s Christian Association Ground also shortly known as the YMCA Ground, is a public park in Karachi, Pakistan. The park is best known for hosting sporting events throughout the 20th Century.
Location and layout
The ground is situated in central Karachi, opposite the Governor’s House, covering an area of approximately 36,955 square yards (about 30,900 m²). It forms part of the larger YMCA Karachi property, which also includes educational and recreational facilities.[1]
History
The YMCA Karachi chapter was established in 1905–1906. It was given the rights for holding sport activities in 1913. For decades after Pakistan’s independence, the YMCA Ground functioned as a centre for youth and community sports. Historically, the YMCA Ground featured a 300-metre athletics track, Hockey fields, tennis and basketball courts, Badminton, table tennis, and martial-arts facilities, and a canteen and meeting area that served as a gathering place for Karachi’s sports community.[1]
It produced several national-level athletes and became a regular venue for inter-school and inter-university tournaments.[1] The facility also produced several Pakistan international hockey players, including goalkeepers Shahid Ali Khan, Mansoor Ahmed, and Ahmed Alam.[1] The ground also held several football tournaments throughout the early 20th Century. The ground was used as the venue for the first National Football Championship which took place between 28 May and 5 June 1948, with Sindh Red beating Sindh Blue in the final.[2]
Decline and encroachment
During the 2000s, the YMCA Ground fell into decline and was increasingly misused for non-sporting purposes such as marriage functions and fairs.[3]
By 2021, the site was described as “occupied” with debris, vehicles and unauthorised structures, raising safety concerns for the adjoining YMCA School. The athletics track was removed, and organised sporting activity ceased.[4][3]
Restoration
After years of deterioration, restoration began under the supervision of the Commissioner of Karachi and the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s anti-encroachment directives. In January 2019, sports returned to the ground after 16 years, marked by an exhibition hockey match between President KHA XI and Commissioner Karachi XI.[5] In November 2020, city officials announced the construction of a jogging track, underground reservoir, and green-belt restoration.[6] By 2021, Rs 95 million renovation plan, designed by the firm Arch Vision, was launched, including new changing rooms, hockey and basketball facilities, and future swimming-pool construction.[3] As of the 2020s, the ground also hosts occasional sports and cultural events. In December 2024, the venue was used for the 17th International Urdu Conference organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan.[7][8]
