LAHORE: Punjab’s historic triumph at the 35th National Games will be celebrated with a grand ceremony, as announced by Provincial Minister for Sports and Energy Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore, the Minister highlighted that Punjab had clinched victory at the National Games after a gap of 37 years, surpassing all provinces and several major national institutions to reclaim the top spot.
The Minister confirmed that 126 medal-winning athletes from Punjab will be honored with cash prizes worth millions of rupees, alongside additional financial support through the Sports Endowment Fund. He emphasized that the upcoming ceremony will serve as a formal recognition of the athletes’ achievements and a celebration of their role in restoring Punjab’s sporting pride.
During the meeting, Khokhar also underscored the government’s commitment to sports infrastructure development, noting that under the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab, world-class sports complexes are being constructed across the province. Progress on various sports schemes in both North and South Punjab was reviewed, reflecting the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots and elite-level facilities.
The Minister praised the leadership of DG Sports Punjab Khizar Afzal Chaudhary and his team for their efforts in preparing the athletes, while also acknowledging the contributions of former Secretary Muzaffar Khan Sial. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Malik Suleman (Vice Chairman), Mian Usman Ali (Additional Secretary), and other members of the Sports Department. Punjab’s return to the top of the National Games podium marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s sporting landscape, symbolizing not only athletic excellence but also the impact of sustained institutional support. The forthcoming ceremony is expected to reinforce Punjab’s commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating its athletes as national heroes.
