The Pakistan city of Quetta, with a population in excess of 1 million, is located in the Balochistan province and is its provincial capital. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is known as the ‘fruit garden of Pakistan’ because of its expanse of orchards and an industry in dried fruit. The first European visitors arrived in 1828, and by 1856 the British had occupied the city under General John Jacob, incorporating it into British India in 1876. Whilst cricket and football are the main sports enjoyed by the people, early in the 20th century the city had its own racecourse called ‘The Cymkhana’ implying that not only horse racing was held at the venue, but also other equestrian events and Gymkhanas.
The Quetta Gymkhana Club still exists and has close links with the Lahore Gymkhana Club.
