The 35th National Games began in Karachi with a grand ceremony at the National Stadium, bringing together athletes and officials from across Pakistan. Sindh is hosting the event after 18 years, with competitions spread across 26 venues in the city.
Ceremony Highlights
The evening featured demonstration sports, a laser light show, and musical performances by Hadiqa Kiani and Ali Zafar. Fireworks lit up the stadium as thousands of students from public and private institutions cheered. Special arrangements were made for differently‑abled spectators.
Torch and Oath
Olympian Arshad Nadeem, accompanied by hockey legend Islahuddin, lit the Olympic torch to applause. Athletes Muhammad Zubair Munir and Mahnoor Fatima administered the players’ oath, pledging discipline and fair play.
Leaders’ Remarks
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari described Sindh’s hosting as an honor, calling the Games a symbol of national unity and youth empowerment.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed athletes from all provinces, stressing that the Games represent discipline and harmony.
Provincial Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, also Sindh Olympic Association President, assured flawless arrangements.
Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed highlighted the values of the Olympic movement.
Participation and Schedule
The Games feature 32 sports, with 14 contingents and nearly 11,000 athletes and officials taking part. Competitions will continue until December 13, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the closing ceremony as chief guest.