Karachi is often described as the city that never sleeps, but its nights become even livelier during the holy month of Ramadan, with sporting and community activities continuing into the early hours of the morning.
One of these celebrations of sport took place at Ziauddin Park, where a Ramadan RAKA volleyball festival brought together more than 40 amateur teams for two days in a lively competition mixing sport with the festive spirit of the city.
According to event organizer Amina Rashid Khan, the RAKA volleyball tournament started as a small gathering of friends with just six teams. Over time, the event gradually grew into a much larger event, now attracting dozens of teams from all over 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 is more like a festival than just a tournament.”
More than 40 teams consisting 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 community level athletes.
To maintain a competitive balance, teams were divided into three categories based on skill level: Chillers, Thrillers and Killers.
The Chillers category included relatively less experienced players, while the Thrillers division included mid-level teams. The Top Killer category consisted of the most skilled participants.
Murtaza Lakda’s team won the Chillers category, while Hatim Aftab’s team won the title in the Thrillers division.
In the premier category of Killers, Ali Rehman’s team emerged victorious after a series of hotly contested matches.
Speaking to PK Press Club News, Ali Rehman said that the competition in the first division was particularly intense as several strong teams were vying for the title.
“This time the matches were very tough,” 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 and noted that sports activities in Karachi during Ramadan extend beyond cricket, with volleyball and other games also attracting enthusiastic crowds.
They added that tournaments like the RAKA festival help provide opportunities for emerging players to showcase their talent.
The atmosphere at Ziauddin Park was like a community fair during the tournament, attracting families and children who gathered to watch the games and cheer on their favorite teams.
Among them was Ahmed Shahbazkar, a 13-year-old spectator, who said the event had inspired young players to take an interest in volleyball.
“Volleyball is not just for adults,” he said. “Children can play there too. Seeing young players competing here with others really encouraged me.”
The Ramadan RAKA Volleyball Festival highlighted how sport in Karachi is about more than winning or losing; it fits into the rhythm of the city, brings communities together and offers young athletes their first steps towards the future.
