KARACHI: The 35th National Games came to an impressive close in Karachi on Saturday, marked by a vibrant closing ceremony and an outstanding overall performance by the Pakistan Army.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir graced the occasion as the chief guest. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister, and the provincial Sports Minister were also in attendance to witness the conclusion of the mega sporting event.
During the ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presented a traditional Sindhi Ajrak and cap to Field Marshal Munir as a gesture of Sindh’s cultural pride and hospitality.
The Pakistan Army topped the medal table with an impressive total of 353 medals, including 200 gold, 97 silver and 56 bronze. Wapda secured second place by winning 232 medals, 85 gold, 73 silver and 74 bronzewhile the Pakistan Navy claimed third position with 110 medals, comprising 36 gold, 39 silver and 35 bronze.
Punjab finished with 126 medals (16 gold, 38 silver, 72 bronze), followed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) with 108 medals, including 14 gold. Host province Sindh stood sixth, earning 96 medals, 11 gold, 26 silver and 59 bronze.
The Pakistan Police received the Best Performance Trophy, while swimmer Hamza Asif Kot was honoured for breaking national records in the 50-metre freestyle and breaststroke events.
At the conclusion of the event, trophies were awarded to the top three teams: the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to Pakistan Army, the runner-up trophy to Wapda, and the President Pakistan Olympic Association Trophy to the Pakistan Navy. Field Marshal Munir then formally declared the National Games closed.
In his address, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the National Games symbolised more than athletic competition, describing them as a reflection of Pakistan’s unity and diversity. He noted that athletes from all regions Gilgit-Baltistan, Gwadar, Khyber and Karachi came together to compete as one nation.
He lauded the players as role models of discipline and determination, adding that sports nurture teamwork, resilience, respect and courage ,qualities essential for national progress
