Bilawal opens 35th National Games 2025

KARACHI, Dec 06 (APP): The Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Saturday declared the 35th National Games 2025 open by welcoming over 10 thousand athletes from across the country at the National Bank Stadium.
The opening ceremony witnessed a big number of students from various schools of the city and spectators.
Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Sports Minister and President of Sindh Olympic Association Muhammad Bux Mahar, President of Pakistan Olympic Association Arif Saeed, and former Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah were also present on the occasion.
While addressing the opening ceremony, the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welomed the teams participating in the 35th National Games to Karachi.
He said that Karachi was hosting 35th National Games after 18 years in the metropolis.He remarked that the youth would emerge successful on the sports grounds.
The PPP Chairman addressing to the athletes said, ‘You are our future.’In his concluding remarks, he encouraged the athletes and said, ‘Enjoy your sports.’
Later, he formally declared the Games open with the words: ‘I declare the 35th National Games 2025 open.’
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in his address said that the 35th National Games represent the ‘unity, diversity and strength of Pakistan.’
He welcomed athletes from across the country and said the return of the National Games to Karachi after two decades was a moment of pride for the province and its people.
The Chief Minister said the vibrant presence of athletes from all provinces and regions reflected the true beauty of Pakistan. “This is our mega event,” he said. “Today, the colours of all our provinces and regions shine in Karachi.”
Murad Ali Shah warmly welcomed the participants, acknowledging the hard work and discipline that brought them to this prestigious platform. “Each of you has made extraordinary efforts to reach here,” he said. “Your presence is not only an honour for the Sindh Government but a source of pride for the people of this province.”
Shah noted that hosting the National Games in Karachi after a long gap of twenty years was a historic moment, adding that Sindh was privileged to host talented athletes from other provinces, regions and federal departments. “Sindh’s rich culture is defined by its unmatched hospitality,” he remarked, assuring participants of the province’s full support throughout the competitions.
The Chief Minister said that the National Games stand among the most important sporting events in the country because they symbolise national unity. “These Games represent the collective strength of Pakistan,” he said. “Athletes from every corner of the country come together on one platform.”
Highlighting the extensive preparations for the mega event, Murad Ali Shah said competitions of 31 sports were being held across 24 venues in Karachi, with over 10,000 athletes participating. He praised the Sindh Sports Department and the Sindh Olympic Association for their tireless efforts in organising the Games. “
Addressing the athletes, the Chief Minister said that while winning and losing are part of sports, discipline, respect and sportsmanship define true champions. “You carry not only the honour of your province or department, but also the pride of the entire nation,” he said.
Murad Shah also expressed gratitude to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for gracing the ceremony as Chief Guest, adding that his presence was a powerful message of support for the youth of Pakistan.
Sindh Sports Minister and President of Sindh Olympic Association Muhammad Bux Mahar said that the National Games were being held in Karachi after 18 years. He said that they had made efforts to make it successful.
President of Pakistan Olympic Association Arif Saeed also addressed the ceremony and welcomed the athletes.
Earlier, the opening ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, and national anthem.
The ceremony witnessed a shield presentation, the march-past of athletes, oath-taking by players and officials and the torch-lighting ceremony.