Pakistan Army near half-century of gold at 35th National Games

KARACHI: Pakistan Army continued their dominance at the 35th National Games, consolidating their top position with 46 gold medals in the 14-team sports extravaganza.

As per the recently-unveiled medals tally by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the department firmly holds the top spot with 46 gold, 15 silver and 11 bronze, having an overall medals tally of 72.

They are well clear of second-placed Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), who have 14 golds, eight silvers and 11 bronze to their name, while Pakistan Navy hold the third position with seven golds.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) are fourth in the standings with four gold, six silver and five bronze medals.

Among provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads the medal race, with two golds and 17 overall medals, closely followed by Punjab and host Sindh, who have one top honour apiece.

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).

It is pertinent to mention that the ongoing 35th National Games will run until December 13 and will conclude with a star-studded closing ceremony at the National Bank Stadium here, which is expected to be graced by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The Games were formally inaugurated by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.