First Batch of Punjab Contingent Departs for Karachi to Compete in 35th National Games

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The first batch of the Punjab contingent departed for Karachi on Wednesday to participate in the 35th National Games, scheduled to be held from December 6 to 13, 2025.

Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, said that in the first phase, the male and female hockey and boxing teams have been sent to Karachi. The remaining groups of athletes will leave for the National Games on December 4 and 6.

After inspecting the training camps for badminton, karate, table tennis, weightlifting, and wushu, the DG said that preparations for several Punjab teams have entered their final stages. He expressed confidence that Punjab’s athletes will put up outstanding performances and compete strongly for gold medals.

“The country’s best teams are participating in the National Games, but our athletes are fully prepared. Expert coaches from the Sports Board Punjab have provided top-level training during the 12-day camps,” he added.

At the Punjab camps, qualified coaches have conducted competitive practice sessions for athletes in wushu and karate, while also focusing on intensive physical training.

Senior badminton coaches Zareena Waqar and Sajid organized exhibition matches to evaluate the players’ stamina and fitness levels. Similarly, senior table tennis coach Yasmeen Akhtar gave final touches to her squad’s preparations ahead of the prestigious national event.