Provincial Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar Announces the Start of the Games
Over 700 Athletes and Officials Participating
Competitions of Kabaddi, Hockey, Volleyball, and Badminton will continue till 18 June from 12
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The opening ceremony of the Inter-Division phase of the Chief Minister Punjab Summer Games 2025 was held with great enthusiasm at Nishtar Sports Complex, Lahore. The event was inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Sports, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, while Director General Sports Punjab, Khizar Afzal Chaudhry, and other prominent sports personalities, coaches, and athletes were also in attendance.
Addressing the ceremony, DG Sports Punjab Khizar Afzal Chaudhry stated that the Summer Games began at the tehsil level, followed by district-level competitions, and have now reached the inter-division stage, where over 700 male and female athletes and officials are participating. Trials were conducted in 155 tehsils across Punjab to identify and promote the best talent.
Provincial Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar highlighted that these games reflect the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, which is focused on providing better opportunities for youth in sports. Out of more than 9,500 participants, 702 shining stars have qualified to showcase their talent at the inter-division level.
The Summer Games feature exciting competitions in four major sports Kabaddi, Hockey, Volleyball, and Badminton. These events aim to provide young athletes with opportunities to grow not only at the national level but also on international platforms.
The Sports Minister further announced that cash prizes worth Rs. 7.5 million will be distributed among top-performing athletes. Gold medalists will receive Rs. 70,000, silver medalists Rs. 50,000, and bronze medalists Rs. 35,000 as monthly stipends.
He also announced various new initiatives to promote sports at the grassroots level, including trials, coaching camps, and talent hunt programs. In the coming months, new sports complexes and modern gymnasiums will be established across Punjab.
Encouraging the youth to participate in sports, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving traditional sports like Kabaddi and Hockey. “We are working to revitalize sports grounds in every city and town so that our youth engage in positive activities and make the country proud,” he stated. In his concluding remarks, the Provincial Minister thanked all participating athletes, coaches, and sports officials and pledged to continue organizing such events in the future.
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