WATCH: 'Fainted' athlete transported to hospital via auto-rickshaw in Sindh Games

KARACHI: During the 10,000m race at the Sindh Games, athlete Hamza fainted, raising concerns about the event's emergency response, Geo News reported on Saturday.

Shockingly, there was no immediate first aid or ambulance available. Instead, Hamza was transported to the hospital in an auto-rickshaw.

The organising committee, when questioned, claimed to have arranged a private car for transportation, but the athlete was taken to the hospital before.

This incident has shed light on the inadequacies in the event's medical facilities and emergency preparedness, prompting concerns about athlete safety.

The revelation comes amid scrutiny as the Sindh Games, with a budget of 16 crores, faces questions regarding the allocation of funds and the overall management of the sports event.

It must be noted that the opening ceremony of the 18th Sindh Games was held at the National Coaching Centre on Friday (February 23).

Minister of Sports, Youth and Cultural Dr Junaid Ali Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion who inaugurated the 18th Sindh Games. More than 4,000 athletes are participating in 42 men’s and 26 women’s competitions from Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpur, Khas, Benazirabad, Larkana and Sukkur divisions.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Dr Juanid said it was the first time for Sindh Games to have more than 4000 athletes. He said that after a long gap, Sindh Games are being organised.

On this occasion, the trophy of the Sindh Games was unveiled. Secretary Sports Abdul Hadi Billu, Secretary of information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ahmad Shah, Asma Shah, and a number of sports officials from different associations were present.

In the 100 meters competition held on the first day, Junaid Baloch of Karachi won the first position while Asad Jabbar of Karachi was second and Suresh Kumar of Mirpur Khas was third.

In the girls competition of 100-meter race, Karachi’s Safinaz reached first position, Karachi’s Iqra got second and Sukkur’s girl Charll Gill got third position. In the girls’ football matches, Karachi beat Hyderabad 8-0, and Sukkur defeated Benazirabad 2-0. In the boys’ competition, Karachi bulldozed Mirpurkhas 11—0 while Larkana beat Sukkur 3-2.