35th National Games kick off in Sindh

Bilawal Bhutto inaugurates the ceremony at National Stadium after 18 years

KARACHI:

After an 18-year wait, Sindh welcomed the nation's top athletes as the 35th National Games kicked off on Saturday at the iconic National Stadium, Karachi. The glittering opening ceremony, graced by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the chief guest, lit up the city with a dazzling display of athleticism, music, lights, and fireworks. Thousands of students, officials, and sports enthusiasts witnessed the spectacle.

Speaking at the event, Bilawal Bhutto said, "it is a great honour for Sindh to host the National Games after 18 years. Young athletes from across the country have gathered to showcase their talent, reflecting national unity. Pakistan's youth are the future of the nation, and they will play a vital role in the country's development. We welcome all participants and hope they enjoy Sindh's warm hospitality while performing their best in sports."

The ceremony was attended by Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, provincial ministers, senior officials, renowned athletes, and representatives of the Pakistan Olympic Association and Sindh Olympic Association.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also welcomed the athletes, stating, "this mega event represents the unity of all provinces. Winning and losing are part of sports, and we expect athletes to maintain discipline and dignity throughout. The government is committed to empowering youth and promoting their development."

Provincial Sports Minister and Sindh Olympic Association President Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mehr, serving as Organising Committee chairman, assured excellent arrangements for the games, while Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed highlighted the objectives of the Olympic movement.

The ceremony featured a march-past by teams, after which young Sindh athletes Mahnoor Fatima and Muhammad Zubair Munir took the athletes' oath. The Olympic flame was officially lit by Paris Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, alongside former hockey captain and Olympian Islahuddin and other notable athletes, amid applause. Bilawal Bhutto officially declared the commencement of the National Games.

Thousands of students from public and private educational institutions attended the event in designated enclosures, including a special area for persons with disabilities. Demonstrations of various sports skills, a laser light show, and a musical concert featuring renowned singers Hadiqa Kiani and Ali Zafar were also part of the celebration, along with a spectacular fireworks display.

The National Games, running across 26 venues in Karachi, will feature 32 sports with participation from 14 teams and nearly 11,000 athletes, officials, and guests. The closing ceremony on December 13 will have Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the chief guest.