Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026 Concludes in Lahore, Showcasing Record Women Participation

By Dr Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan
The Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026, described by officials as the largest women’s sporting event in the province, concluded with a closing ceremony at the Gymnasium Hall of Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Sunday.
The Punjab-wide competition saw Lahore Division crowned overall champions, securing 35 medals, including 25 gold and 10 silver. Faisalabad Division finished second with 25 medals (9 gold, 16 silver), while Multan Division placed third with 15 medals, including 9 gold and 6 silver.
Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar presented the winners’ trophy to the Lahore team and distributed cash prizes and trophies among leading performers.
Officials said a record 3,400 female athletes from across the province participated in the five-day event. “Such a massive women’s sports event has never been held before in any province of the country,” the minister said during the ceremony.
The provincial government distributed Rs 7 million in cash prizes among winning teams. Additionally, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced Rs 20 million in rewards for top-performing athletes.
Khokhar said several promising female athletes were identified during the event and expressed confidence that they would represent Pakistan in international competitions in the future.
He also announced scholarships under the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund for top performers. Under the scheme, athletes in the Platinum Category will receive Rs 100,000 per month, Gold Category athletes Rs 75,000 per month, and Silver Category athletes Rs 50,000 per month.
Director General Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry credited the success of the event to coordinated efforts by the Sports Board Punjab, including divisional, district and tehsil sports officers, coaches and administrative staff.
He noted that new disciplines, including padel tennis, were introduced during this edition and said future editions would be organized on a larger scale with improved planning.
Provincial authorities said the initiative reflects broader efforts to expand sports infrastructure and create equal opportunities for women athletes across Punjab.