Punjab Athletes Continue Intensive Training for 35th National Games

By Dr Ansab Ali – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Preparations for the 35th National Games gained momentum on Tuesday as more than 400 male and female athletes from Punjab continued their rigorous training at various venues of the Nishtar Park Sports Complex. The National Games are scheduled to be held in Karachi from December 6 to 13.

Training camps, organized by the Punjab Sports Department, entered their second day with athletes practicing under the supervision of expert coaches.

Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry visited the camps to closely monitor training sessions and assess coaching techniques. He directed coaches to prioritize players’ fitness and skill development to ensure top performance in the National Games. He also inspected food quality at the athletes’ mess.

Chaudhry said that the best training and facilities are being provided to all selected athletes. He added that excellent accommodation arrangements have been made at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex hostels.

At the Elite Training Center, karate and wushu coaches trained athletes in modern combat techniques. Meanwhile, badminton and table tennis sessions took place at the gymnasium hall under the guidance of coaches Zarina Waqar and Yasmeen Akhtar.

Punjab’s men’s and women’s hockey teams trained at the National Hockey Stadium, where coaches conducted practice matches to improve match fitness. Kabaddi players also took part in friendly matches and stamina-building exercises under the supervision of qualified coaches.

The training camps will continue until the Punjab contingent departs for Karachi to compete in the National Games.