National Games torch-lighting on Friday

Torch will be displayed in city before setting out on relay across the country

KARACHI:

The torch-lighting ceremony of the 35th National Games will be held on Friday at Mazar-e-Quaid, marking the beginning of its nationwide journey. The torch will be displayed at various locations across the city before setting out on its relay across the country.

Following the ceremony, the torch relay will officially commence its countrywide journey. Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar and prominent athletes will carry the torch, running through different parts of Karachi.

The torch will travel from Mazar-e-Quaid through Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Shahrae Faisal, Abdullah Haroon Road, and other key routes before reaching the seaside and Marina Club. Later, it will be taken on a symbolic voyage across the sea, after which it will be handed over to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the next leg of its national journey.

The 35th National Games are being hosted in Sindh after 18 years, with events scheduled at multiple venues in Karachi. Around 11,000 male and female athletes and officials from all provinces and departmental teams are expected to participate in the games.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will attend the ceremony as the chief guest, while Sports Minister Mahar, other provincial ministers, members of the Sindh Assembly, Secretary Sports Munawar Ali Mahesar, officials of the Pakistan Olympic Association and Sindh Olympic Association, along with renowned national athletes, will also participate.