Lahore, January 30, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday inaugurated the Khelta Punjab Games 2025, marking the beginning of inter-division sports competitions across the province.
Addressing the opening ceremony, CM Maryam expressed her vision for a progressive and thriving Punjab, emphasizing that the province is home to champions. She noted that while sports fields had remained neglected for years, they are now being revived with new energy and investment.
Calling it the largest sports event in Pakistan’s history, she applauded young athletes for making their families, Punjab, and the nation proud.
Maryam Nawaz assured Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar of full financial support, even pledging Rs5 billion if needed to further develop sports infrastructure and opportunities.
She highlighted that 120,000 children from across Punjab have registered for the Khelta Punjab Games, calling it a testament to the province’s passion for sports.
Citing renowned Pakistani athletes like Aisam-ul-Haq and Arshad Nadeem as inspirations, she emphasized that Pakistan’s youth—comprising 65% of the population—possess immense potential when given the right opportunities.
She celebrated the equal participation of boys and girls in the games and announced that Punjab now boasts 15,000 sports clubs and has awarded 30,000 scholarships purely on merit.
Encouraging young athletes, CM Maryam pledged to bring international coaches to train them and expressed her desire to see Punjab’s athletes win medals on global platforms.
The Khelta Punjab Games 2025 aims to revitalize sports culture in the province, fostering a new generation of champions ready to represent Pakistan on the world stage.
