Field Marshal declares 35th National Games closed, hands over flag to Punjab for hosting 36th games

KARACHI, Dec 13 (APP): The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Saturday officially declared the 35th National Games 2025 closed and as a Chief guest along with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari passed the flag of Pakistan Olympic Committee to Punjab Olympic Association for hosting the next 36th National Games.
The week-long games declared Army as top team with total medals 353 including 200 gold, 97 silver and 56 bronze. Wapda as runner-up total medals 232 including 85 gold, 73 silver and 74 bronze medals while Navy on 3rd position, which got 110 medals including 36 gold, 39 silver and 35 bronze.
The host Sindh team clinched 6th position in the provisional medal position with 96 medals including 11 gold, 26 silver and 59 bronze.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed pride, confidence and renewed faith in Pakistan’s future as the national sporting event concluded successfully.
He said that while the flames of the National Games may have come to rest, the spirit ignited by the event would continue to inspire unity, discipline and hope across the country. On behalf of the people of Sindh, he thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, for honouring the occasion with his presence, describing his leadership and service as a symbol of strength, professionalism and national unity.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the National Games were not merely a competition of speed, strength or skill, but a celebration of Pakistan itself. “From Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, from Khyber to Karachi, from Lahore to Larkana, every athlete who competed here carried the colours of their province, but they stood united under one flag,” he added.
He said Sindh was honoured to host the prestigious event, recalling that the province has historically played a defining role in Pakistan’s journey, including the passage of the first resolution in favour of Pakistan. “Hosting the National Games reflects Sindh’s continued commitment to federation, unity and national cohesion,” he added.
Chairman PPP appreciated Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar for their leadership and planning, which ensured the successful organization of the Games. Praising the athletes, he said they were the pride of Pakistan and would return home as ambassadors of discipline, perseverance and unity, regardless of medals.
He also thanked coaches, officials, volunteers, medical teams, organizers and security agencies for ensuring that the Games were conducted peacefully, safely and with dignity.
Referring to recent national challenges, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that during testing times earlier this year, Pakistan responded with unity and resolve.
He said that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces demonstrated professionalism, coordination and strength.
“Pakistan emerged victorious, with its sovereignty defended and its honor upheld. This victory was not only a military victory, it was a national one. It reflected the unity of our people, the discipline of our forces, and the unbreakable bond between the nation and those who stand guard over it,” he added.
He urged that the same spirit of unity must now be carried forward into classrooms, stadiums, institutions and daily life, envisioning a Pakistan where every child in every province has equal access to opportunity in sports, education, health and national service.
Bilawal congratulated all participants, medalists and provinces, expressing hope that the friendships formed, lessons learned and unity displayed during the National Games would continue to strengthen Pakistan’s federation.
He concluded his address with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
Earlier, the PPP Chairman presented the Field Marshal with Sindhi topi and Ajrak.
They distributes medals among the top teams and winners.
In the end, the Field Marshal Asim Munir said, “I declare 35th National Games 2025 closed.”