The Sondhi Debating Challenge Cup (Sondhi) is an English Parliamentary Debating competition which follows the World School Style debating format. It is an annual event hosted by the Lahore College of Arts & Sciences, this year being the tournament’s 23rd. This year marks the silver jubilee of LACAS, and Sondhi will have the honor of becoming the first parliamentary debating style tournament, in Pakistan, to host international teams; with teams from The Vasant Valley School, New Delhi, India and Kabul University, Afghanistan, competing in the tournament which is being held at the state of the art purpose built LACAS, Burki campus.
Sondhi was the first World School’s Style Debating Championship (WSDC) in Pakistan and is considered the most prestigious event of the debates’ circuit in Lahore. It also serves as a preparatory tournament for the U-19 National Debates Championship for teams across Pakistan.
Students of LACAS have been part of the Pakistan National Debating team that has participated in WSDC on several occasions. Its alumni include Mehvesh Mumtaz and Taimur Bandey who are current members of the WSDC Executive Council. The debates patron, Mrs. Sonnu Rahman, has served as the President of the Debating Society of Pakistan (DSP) for several years and is now a Life-Time Honorary Member.
This year Sondhi will be held from September 14 to 17, in Lahore. Mr. Taimur Bandey is the chief adjudicator of this year’s tournament. Mr. Bandey is also the chief adjudicator of World Schools Debating Championship, 2013. A superb level of debating is expected this year with teams fighting it out for the coveted Sondhi Challenge Cup.
