Karachi hosts national games as Bilawal praises youth spirit
Sports
National Games returned to Karachi after 18 years with a vibrant yet delayed opening ceremony, highlighted by Arshad Nadeem lighting the cauldron and leading a spirited torch run.
KARACHI (Web Desk) - After an 18-year hiatus, the National Games returned to Karachi, drawing thousands of athletes and spectators despite the city’s dust, diversions and delays.
Nearly 2,500 participants marched into the National Stadium for the opening ceremony, where colourful cultural displays and buzzing crowds set the tone for the event.
A two-hour delay tested the patience of athletes and students, but excitement reignited with the arrival of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
After the Quranic recitation, national anthem and fireworks, 14 contingents paraded across the field, including defending champions Army, Air Force, Higher Education Commission, and regional teams from across the country.
The highlight came when Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem carried the torch, lit the cauldron and symbolically hurled a javelin into a net, energising the stadium. Bilawal officially declared the Games open as fireworks illuminated the night sky. For Karachi, the dusty journey to this moment closed with a glowing promise of competition and national spirit.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Games in Karachi, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said he hoped these athletes would go on to make Pakistan proud at the global level. He noted that young people were being provided a positive and healthy environment through such events.
Bilawal added that the enthusiasm of the youth at the National Games was remarkable. He said it was an honour for Karachi to host the National Games after 18 years and expressed confidence that athletes from across the country would enjoy the event.
He further stated that players from all provinces were engaging in healthy activities, reaffirming that the youth of Pakistan represent the country’s future.
Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that hosting the National Games was a matter of pride for the province. He also thanked Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for attending the ceremony.
