CM Murad Shah Directs Officials to Make 35th National Games ‘Historic and Unforgettable’

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over the first steering committee meeting of the 35th National Games 2025, directed the concerned authorities to make the upcoming event historic and unforgettable, reflecting Karachi’s pride as the host city after a long gap of 18 years. “Karachi has the honour to host the National Games after nearly two decades; therefore, it must be organized in a befitting and memorable manner,” the chief minister said while chairing the meeting held at the CM House.

Karachi Set to Welcome 10,000 Participants

The 35th National Games 2025 will be held in Karachi from December 6 to 13, marking the return of Pakistan’s premier multi-sport event to the metropolis after nearly two decades. This year’s event promises to be the largest ever, with participation from four provinces, Jammu & Kashmir, Islamabad, three services teams, and four departments. Over 6,000 athletes, 2,800 team officials, and 1,100 technical officials are expected to take part, bringing the total strength close to 10,000 participants. The Games will feature 32 male and 29 female disciplines, including 25 Olympic sports and seven non-Olympic ones. Among the men’s events are archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics, hockey, judo, karate, rugby, swimming, and squash, while the women’s contests include fencing, table tennis, volleyball, taekwondo, and weightlifting.

Venues and Ceremonies

A total of 24 venues across Karachi have been selected by the joint organising committee, including the Sindh Sports Board Complex in Nazimabad, NED University, KPT Sports Complex, KMC Football Stadium, Defence Authority Country & Golf Club, Habib Public School, National Sports Training & Coaching Centre, and the Karachi Boat Club. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the National Cricket Stadium, with the opening scheduled for December 6 and the closing for December 13. The Sports Department has proposed “Indus Queen” as the official mascot of the games, symbolising the cultural and historical identity of Sindh and the spirit of unity that flows through the Indus River.

City Beautification and Torch Relay

To create excitement and beautify the city, major landmarks and intersections including Teen Talwar, Numaish Chowrangi, Metropole, Expo Centre, Frere Hall, National Stadium Roundabout, and Sea View will be illuminated and decorated with big screens, mascots, and thematic hoardings celebrating the games. The CM directed the Sports department to organise a Torch Relay on November 14, beginning from Mazar-e-Quaid, passing through provincial headquarters and universities, extending to the federal capital, and symbolically continuing to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A publicity drive will also be launched across the city, featuring roundabouts decorated with photos, videos, and themes of the National Games. In addition, several prominent personalities are being considered as brand ambassadors.

Cultural Theme and National Participation

Highlighting the cultural aspect of the grand opening ceremony, the chief minister said that the theme “Evolution of Sports Alongside the Indus River – The River of Life” will celebrate Sindh’s ancient heritage and spiritual depth. The event will pay tribute to the Indus Civilisation, incorporating elements of Sufism, classical dance, visual projections, and regional performances by students. “The Indus doesn’t just flow—it connects,” the CM remarked. “From the mountains to the sea, it carries our traditions, our stories, and our spirit. When it reaches Sindh, it becomes energy—vibrant and alive. Karachi, the heart of Sindh, holds it all together.”

Murad Shah announced that President Asif Ali Zardari will grace the opening ceremony as the chief guest, while Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will attend the closing ceremony, underscoring the national significance of the event. With an ambitious plan blending sports, culture, and unity, the 35th National Games 2025 are set to mark a new chapter in Karachi’s history, where the city’s energy, diversity, and the eternal flow of the Indus come together in one grand celebration of Pakistan’s sporting spirit.