LAHORE, Feb 11 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated the Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026 at Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex, with participation of 3,400 women athletes from across the province.
Upon her arrival, the chief minister was accorded a warm welcome by the athletes as the stadium reverberated with drumbeats and enthusiastic slogans. She visited different pavilions to personally encourage and appreciate the participating players.
An athlete from each division carried the Pink Games torch, completed a lap of the stadium and jointly lit the ceremonial flame. Olympian Faiza Riaz led the traditional march past, while contingents of women athletes from all divisions presented a colourful parade.
Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar, addressing the ceremony, said that on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, sports activities were being expanded to the tehsil level. He added that female athletes were being provided monthly stipends to promote their participation and development.
Highlighting Punjab’s achievements, he said the province secured first position by winning 126 medals in the Punjab National Games and 173 medals in the Quaid-e-Azam Games. He further announced that 184 sports projects were being completed across Punjab within one year, adding that synthetic astro-turf hockey stadiums would be constructed in every district to promote the sport.
The ceremony was attended by provincial ministers, members of the assembly, veteran athletes and a large number of young girls.