Pakistan, Feb. 10 -- KARACHI - Nine-year-old Kainat Khalil recent successes on Pakistan's road runner circuit have drawn widespread attention - and controversy - highlighting inconsistencies in sports governance and child safety in Pakistani athletics

Kainat was barred from officially competing in the 21-kilometre half marathon at the BYD Karachi Marathon 2026, despite having registered and finishing the race with one of the fastest times. Organisers later awarded her an honorary prize and publicly criticised her coach for entering a child in an adult-distance event.

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This incident followed a similar episode at the National Games 2025, where Kainat was prevented from comp...