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KARACHI, Nov 14 (APP):A wave of electric excitement swept over Karachi on Friday as the city, the original cradle of Pakistan’s sports, hosted the momentous Torch Relay Ceremony performed by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for the 35th National Games 2025, starting from December 6th to 13th, 2025 at 24 high-standard venues across Karachi
This magnificent spectacle, presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, was held at the Mazar-e-Quaid, officially launched the countdown to the Games, set to run from December 6th to 13th, 2025.
The Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stood at the epicenter of the grand event, transforming the ceremony into a powerful declaration of national unity and athletic ambition. The iconic flame, a symbol of hope and sportsmanship, was ceremonially passed from the hands of international athletes to the Chief Minister.
“Karachi has the unparalleled honour to host the National Games after nearly two decades; therefore, it must be organised in a befitting and memorable manner,” Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared with palpable pride. “The Sindh government believes promoting sports is essential for engaging youth in healthy, constructive activities. Hosting the 35th National Games will be a proud moment, not only for Sindh but for the entire country!”
In his address the Chief Minister said that Pakistan’s youth, particularly young girls, possess remarkable courage and determination, adding that “we are proud of our children and their talent.” He said it was an honour for Sindh to host the National Games in Karachi after 18 years, and noted the historical significance of the venue.
“Today we stand before the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam, where the first National Olympic event was held,” he said.
The Chief Minister recalled that the first National Olympics were inaugurated in Karachi in 1948 by the Founder of the Nation himself. “The first trophy was donated by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and to this day the champion receives the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy,” he added.
Murad Ali Shah said that Karachi has hosted the highest number of National Games in the country’s history, and expressed full confidence in the success of the upcoming edition. “On behalf of the Government of Sindh, the Sports Department and the entire administration, I assure you that the 35th National Games will be a resounding success,” he said.
“I hope Karachiites will fill every venue. These Games will be among the most successful National Games Pakistan has ever seen,” he said. He added that major sporting talent will emerge from the event, as witnessed recently when Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem achieved international recognition with his Olympic performance.
Highlighting the tradition of the Torch Relay, he noted its historic origins. “The Olympic Games began in Olympia, Greece, where the torch was first lit. Since 1928, the flame has been lit for every modern Olympic Games,” he said.
Murad Shah explained that the torch is traditionally passed from the previous hosts to the next organisers.“Today, the National Games torch has arrived in Karachi from Quetta, and from here it will move to Peshawar — the host of the next Games,” he said.
He said the Sindh government would ensure world-class arrangements for the National Games and provide a safe, well-managed environment for all athletes and officials. He also thanked the Sindh Olympic Association and the Pakistan Olympic Association for inviting him to the ceremony. He concluded with the slogan: “Pakistan Zindabad.”
The ceremony, which began with the solemn beauty of the National Anthem and a Quranic recitation, was charged with patriotic fervor. Students, Olympic representatives, and dignitaries watched as the Balochistan Olympic Association formally handed over the torch, officially transferring the hosting baton to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
In a thrilling moment, CM Murad Ali Shah passed the torch to provincial sports minister Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar, unleashing the flame upon its epic journey. The torch will be carried along Karachi’s most significant routes, a beacon of light for the “City of Lights,” and in a spectacular first, it will be borne across the Arabian Sea aboard a ship, before commencing its nationwide relay to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the vibrant logo for the 35th National Games, underscoring the profound historical significance of the event, which first graced Karachi in 1948 the inaugural National Games after Pakistan’s independence.
Karachi is poised to reclaim its pivotal role as a sporting powerhouse. This marks the first time in 18 years that Sindh will host this grand event. The Games will bring together a staggering more than 11,000 athletes and officials from all provinces and major departments, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, WAPDA, Police, and HEC.
A total of 34 sports, covering both Olympic and non-Olympic events, from archery and athletics to rowing and rugby.
The Sindh government has already established comprehensive committees to ensure the Games are completed to international standards, covering logistics, accommodation, anti-harassment, and media coverage for a well-organised and truly memorable week of competition.
After crisscrossing the nation, the iconic flame will make its triumphant return to Karachi for the Grand Opening Ceremony at the National Stadium on December 6th, to be presided over by the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari.
The thrilling week of competition will culminate in the Closing Ceremony on December 13th, with the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the chief guestz a communique said.
The Torch Relay is more than a ceremonial start; it is a profound celebration of national unity and the indomitable spirit of competition, the CM Murad Shah said. He added Karachi stands ready to lead the nation in this ultimate festival of sports, pride, and friendship.
The chief minister announced that the Youth Olympics would be organised by the provincial sports department biennially for the youth,
The Minister for Sports Sardar Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar and President Pakistan Olympic Association also spoke on the occasion. Secretary of Sports Munawar Mahesar and others from the sports department and the Sindh Olympics were also present on the occasion.