Special athletes second to none: Ronak Lakhani promises more opportunities
Special athletes second to none: Ronak Lakhani promises more opportunities
By Nawaz Gohar ; The Lahore phase of the Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) National Games—featuring powerlifting, badminton, and table tennis—concluded successfully on Friday.
Following the high-spirited competitions in Punjab’s capital, the action is now set to shift to Karachi, which will host the football phase of the games.Reflecting on the successful execution of the event, Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani lauded the participants, emphasizing that special athletes are “second to none” in their capabilities.
SOP Chairperson Ronak Lakhani said: “Our special athletes are in no way inferior to anyone else, and we are committed to providing them with even more opportunities to excel. Witnessing their passion, determination, and drive to move forward during these games is incredibly inspiring. We will ensure that the top performers from these National Games get the platform to prove themselves on the international stage.”
Historic International Debuts and Global PrepIn a landmark announcement, Lakhani revealed that Pakistan’s Special Olympics Hockey Team will compete in the Para-Hockey World Cup for the very first time.
She added that the organization’s long-term focus remains heavily geared toward preparing Pakistan’s contingent to make a strong impact and raise the national flag high at the upcoming World Games in Chile.
Over three days of intense, highly competitive sporting action, special athletes from across the country showcased exceptional skill and determination. The closing ceremony saw medals and prizes distributed to the outstanding performers. Host province Punjab dominated the leaderboard, while Sindh and the Federal Capital put up stellar performances to secure the runner-up positions.
The participating athletes expressed immense joy and pride in being part of the national event, which serves as a vital platform for inclusivity and athletic recognition.
The excitement of the Special Olympics Pakistan National Games will now move to Karachi. The metropolitan city is scheduled to host the national football fixtures starting from July 21, where teams from across the nation will once again vie for top honors.
