35th National Games formally inaugurated at Karachi's National Bank Stadium

KARACHI: The 35th National Games, set to run across 24 venues until December 13, was formally inaugurated by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

According to the details, the inauguration ceremony of the event was graced by Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Sports Minister Sindh Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar and several renowned politicians, including PPP Chairman Bilawal.

The star-studded opening ceremony for the event kicked off with Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem lighting the torch.

During the ceremony, the participating athletes of the provinces and departments performed a march past, while Olympian Nadeem made a ceremonial javelin throw, receiving applause from the audience and high-profile guests.

Speaking at the glittering event, CM Sindh Shah vowed to make the 35th edition of the Games "exemplary" and "memorable", terming hosting the event a matter of pride for the province.

He further urged the participating athletes to showcase sportsman spirit throughout the competition, referencing them as the representatives of the entire country.

"Hosting the National Games is a matter of pride for Sindh. Quaid-e-Azam inaugurated the first National Games in this city in 1948," said Shah.

"The National Games are not just a sporting event; it is an example of national unity and inter-provincial unity. I will ask the players to demonstrate strong sportsmanship. You are representing not only your province or department, but the whole of Pakistan.

"We will leave no stone unturned in making the 35th National Games exemplary and memorable."

For the unversed, the 35th National Games will feature 14 teams, comprising departments and provinces, including hosts Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, alongside Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, WAPDA, Pakistan Police and Higher Education Commission (HEC).