The National Games will be held in Quetta from May 22 to May 30; more than 30 sports will be played
Karachi, Sindh
The torch relay of the 34th National Games to be held in Quetta from May 22 to May 30 started from Karachi on Saturday May 6, 2023.
At Mazar-e-Quaid, Chief Secretary Sindh Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput lighted the torch and handed it over to hockey legend Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui. Balochistan Chief Minister’s Spokesman Babar Yousafzai, Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Iqbal Memon, a large number of Athletes and citizens were present at Mazar-e-Quaid.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajpot said that the torch of National Games from Sindh will go to the whole country with the message of peace and love. The mega event where new talent will be discovered and the young players will get ample opportunities to express their talents will create an atmosphere of healthy competition between the players at the national level.
He added that in the past, Pakistan’s hockey team has brought success to the country at the international level, but now sports are not being promoted in this way in Pakistan.
He further said that there is no shortage of talent among the youth in Pakistan, they should be given proper training and resources. He assured that Sindh government will provide all resources for the development of sports.
Addressing the players of Sindh, CS said that they (Athletes) are going to Balochistan as the ambassador of Sindh. “You have to make the name of Sindh bright.”
He said that more than 450 athletes from the province are participating in the games.
He thanked the Pakistan Olympic Association for starting the torch relay from Karachi and fully supporting the Sindh Olympic Association regarding the Sindh contingent in the national games.
Balochistan Chief Minister’s Spokesman Babar Yousafzai while addressing the ceremony said that Balochistan is ready to host the 34th National Games. He added that the holding of 34 National Games in Balochistan is a proof that the law and order situation in Balochistan has improved.
Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Iqbal Memon said that he has met all the players and their morale is high, and added that he is sure that these players will shine the name of Sindh with good performance.
Secretary General of Sindh Olympian Association Ahmed Ali Rajput said that for the first time after the Independence of Pakistan, the first National Games were held in Karachi in 1948, which was inaugurated by the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam and gave the National Games trophy on his behalf.
“Today, we have started the journey of the torch of 34th National Games from the mausoleum of Father of the Nation and we want to send a message to the whole world that Pakistan is a peaceful country for sports activities. The torch will travel the entire country. We thank the government of Sindh for conducting the torch relay event in a memorable and dignified manner.”
He added that more than 6 thousand athletes will participate in the 34th National Games and more than 30 sports will be played. (PR)
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