Sindh finalises preparations for 35th National Games; Grand opening on Dec 6
Sindh finalises preparations for 35th National Games; Grand opening on Dec 6
By Nawaz Gohar ; The government of Sindh has finalised all preparations for the 35th National Games, scheduled to commence on December 6 with a grand opening ceremony at the National Stadium Karachi. The inauguration will be performed by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari.
The arrangements were approved during a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
The meeting saw robust participation from federal and provincial officials, including Sindh Home Minister Ziaullah Hassan Lanjar, Agriculture Minister Muhammad Bux Mahar, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Sports Khair Muhammad Kalwar, and several senior officers.
The forum held an extensive review of plans concerning the opening and closing ceremonies, athlete accommodation, security arrangements, venue upgradation, and logistical operations.
A minute-by-minute schedule of the opening ceremony was presented to the Chief Minister, featuring a march-past of participating teams, athletes’ oath-taking, torch-lighting ceremony, theme-song performance, cultural shows, drone display, fireworks, laser lights, and paragliding demonstrations. Murad Ali Shah approved all elements and directed departments to work in complete coordination to ensure an international-standard event.
The meeting also finalized the framework for the closing ceremony, which will be presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ceremony will include the presentation of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, performance awards, and the Fair Play Trophy, followed by a cultural programme and a fireworks display.
Karachi has designated 24 venues for hosting various competitions of the National Games. The Sports & Youth Affairs Department, with the support of the Commissioner’s Office, is carrying out renovation and maintenance of all sites. The Commissioner has also initiated special measures for the removal of encroachments around venues and the improvement of traffic and operational logistics.
The Chief Minister announced the formation of a ministerial committee to oversee both ceremonies. The committee includes representatives from the departments of Education, Culture, Transport, Information, and the Karachi Mayor’s Office.
The Education Department assured large-scale participation of students, while the Information Department will run promotional campaigns across print, electronic, and digital media.
Murad Ali Shah instructed the Culture Department to arrange traditional-style receptions for incoming teams at airports and railway stations, and directed the Transport Department to provide dedicated transit facilities for players and officials. A comprehensive seating plan for VIPs, VVIPs, students, and spectators has also been ordered.
To enhance public engagement, a city-wide event activation campaign will be launched, while fan-interaction zones, food stalls, and trained volunteers will assist guests throughout the event.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister said the National Games not only showcase the athletic talent of Pakistan’s youth but also promote national unity and highlight Karachi’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.
