Karachi is often described as the city that never sleeps, but the nights become even livelier during the holy month of Ramadan, with sports and community activities continuing into the early morning hours.
One such sports celebration took place at Ziauddin Park, where a two-day Ramadan RAKA volleyball festival brought together more than 40 amateur teams in a lively competition that combined sports with the festive atmosphere of the city.
According to event organizer Amina Rashid Khan, the RAKA volleyball tournament started as a small gathering among friends with just six teams. Over time it steadily grew into a much larger event, now attracting dozens of teams from across the city.
“The idea was not just to compete, but to create a space where people could come together, enjoy the game and spend time in a positive environment,” Amina said. “That’s why the atmosphere here feels more like a festival than just a tournament.”
More than 40 teams of male and female participants from different age groups took part in the competition. The event was strictly an amateur tournament, in which professional players were not allowed to participate, ensuring a level playing field for athletes at the community level.
To maintain competitive balance, the teams were divided into three categories based on their skill level: Chillers, Thrillers and Killers.
The Chillers category contained relatively less experienced players, while the Thrillers division featured intermediate-level teams. The Top Level Killers category consisted of the most skilled competitors.
Murtaza Lakda’s team won the Chillers category, while Hatim Aftab’s team secured the title in the Thrillers division.
In the Premier Killers category, Ali Rehman’s team emerged victorious after a series of closely contested matches.
Ali Rehman told Geo News that the competition in the top division was particularly fierce as several strong teams battled for the title.
“The matches were very tough this time,” he said. “Winning the title is a great feeling, but being part of such a wonderful tournament is even more special.”
Participants said they thoroughly enjoyed the event, noting that sporting activities in Karachi during Ramadan extend beyond cricket, with volleyball and other games also drawing enthusiastic crowds.
They added that tournaments such as the RAKA festival provide opportunities for emerging players to showcase their talent.
The atmosphere at Ziauddin Park during the tournament resembled a community fair, bringing families and children together to watch the matches and cheer on their favorite teams.
Among them was 13-year-old spectator Ahmed Shahbazkar, who said the event inspired younger players to take an interest in volleyball.
“Volleyball is not just for adults,” he said. “Kids can play it too. Seeing young players competing here has really encouraged me.”
The Ramadan RAKA Volleyball Festival highlighted how sport in Karachi is more than just winning or losing; it is part of the rhythm of the city, bringing communities together and offering young athletes their first steps into the future.
