**Pakistan to Host First-Ever National Youth Games in 2025 with Nationwide Basketball Talent Search**
Pakistan is preparing to host its inaugural National Youth Games in Islamabad, a landmark event designed to foster youth development and showcase emerging sports talent across the country. The weeklong event, organized by the Pakistan Olympic Association in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, will highlight a range of disciplines, with a particularly notable inclusion: the Under-16 Boys and Girls 3×3 Basketball Championship, managed by the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).
In anticipation of the championship, the PBBF has launched a nationwide talent identification campaign to uncover the most promising young basketball players from every province and Islamabad. The selection process begins at the divisional level, where local 3×3 tournaments will determine which teams move on to their respective Provincial Headquarters. Here, the top performers will compete in Provincial Championships, which will ultimately decide the official provincial representatives for the national tournament.
Significantly, the championship has received official endorsement from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as part of its 3×3 format. All participating athletes are required to register and verify their profiles on the FIBA 3×3 digital platform, providing their full legal name, date of birth, and a confirmed email address. The deadline for completing the FIBA 3×3 player profile verification process is set ahead of the tournament.
To ensure fair play and strict age compliance, players must also present valid identification, including a NADRA-issued Form-B, Family Registration Certificate (FRC), or a Smart National Identity Card. The PBBF has instructed all affiliated units nationwide to enforce these registration and documentation requirements rigorously.
The federation views this initiative as a pivotal move to not only identify and nurture grassroots basketball talent but also to elevate the sport’s national profile. By encouraging broad participation and adopting international standards, PBBF aims to boost both the visibility and the competitive standard of basketball throughout Pakistan.
Beyond basketball, the National Youth Games 2025 are expected to play a critical role in empowering young athletes, fostering inter-provincial unity, and establishing clear pathways for youth involvement in sports at both national and international levels. The event is poised to mark a turning point in the promotion and organization of youth sports within Pakistan.
