Pakistan

National squad arrives in Berlin's Olympia Stadium for opening ceremony

Pakistani athlete Sana among torchbearers of ceremony; premier confident athletes will bring 'laurels to motherland'

Our Correspondent June 18, 2023

Pakistani squad arrives in stadium for opening ceremony of the 16th Special Olympic World Games. Photo: Express

GERMANY:

The national squad of Pakistan on Sunday arrived at Berlin's Olympia Stadium to participate in the opening ceremony of the 16th Special Olympic World Games.

Pakistani players were dressed in their cultural attire of shalwar kameez and vest at the opening ceremony where the stadium echoed with slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad".

Special athletes were excited about the opening ceremony and Pakistani athlete Sana is among the torchbearers of the ceremony.

“It is a great honour for Pakistan and me to be selected to light the torch of the Special Olympic World Games,” she said.

A musical programme, laser light show and fireworks are also planned to take place at the opening ceremony.

Special Olympics President Timothy Shriver and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will also attend the event.

Read Special Olympics set to kick start in Berlin today

Head of delegation of Pakistani contingent Ronaq Lakhani, Special Olympics Pakistan Ambassador Sarwat Gilani and Advisor Yasmin Haider are also participating in the opening ceremony.

PM Shehbaz wishes athletes

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished the athletes saying that Pakistan has a strong representation in the global event.

“Now is the time to reap the fruit of hard work they put in while preparing for 11 games,” he said.

The premier further said that he is “confident that our special and privileged athletes will use the mega opportunity to bring laurels to the motherland through their talent and determination. They have the prayers of the whole nation with them”.

My best wishes to our differently-abled athletes who are in Germany to take part in Special Olympics World Games 2023. In 87-member delegation consisting of both male & female sportspeople, Pakistan has a strong representation in the global event. Now is the time to reap the…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 18, 2023