‘Khelta Punjab Pink Games’ inaugurated: First Sports City to be launched in 2027: CM

LAHORE: Announcing the launch of the province’s first Sports City in 2027, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Pink Games will be expanded to the tehsil level across Punjab.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026 at Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex, the CM announced Rs20 million in prize money for Pink Games athletes and directed authorities to ensure special arrangements for the care, accommodation and meals of women players.

She terms female athletes the “Super Daughters of Super Punjab” and appreciates Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar, the secretary, DG Sports and the entire team for successfully organizing the event.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif says women are capable of leading a country, a province and ministries. “A woman can fight a war, fly an aircraft and serve as chief minister — and can give men tough competition,” she remarks. She emphasizes that merit and talent have no gender.

Encouraging young girls, she says, “The land is yours, the sky is yours — move forward and prove yourselves.” She adds that women are excelling in every field, including boxing, cricket, football, swimming and athletics, and are working shoulder to shoulder with men while also fulfilling responsibilities at home.

More than 3,000 athletes from across Punjab are participating in the Pink Games after qualifying at the tehsil level.

The CM announced that the games will further be expanded to the union council level in the future.

She stated that the government is taking practical steps to revive sports grounds and promote healthy activities among youth, moving children away from mobile screens and into playing fields. She adds that Punjab has immense talent and that construction work on the Sports City begins this year.

Declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth,” the CM says providing opportunities of happiness and progress to the people of Punjab is her responsibility. “You dream, and it is my job to help fulfil those dreams,” she tells the participants.

She urges young girls not to lose heart in difficult times. “Your mother will not let you fall,” she says, adding that women should not be considered weak, but strong and resilient. She notes that in the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, more than 60 percent of beneficiaries are girls.

Upon her arrival at the stadium, the CM receives an enthusiastic welcome from the athletes, with the venue echoing with drumbeats and spirited slogans. She visited each pavilion across the stadium to personally encourage and appreciate the participating players.

An athlete from each division carries the Pink Games torch, completes a lap of the stadium and jointly lights the ceremonial flame. Olympian athlete Faiza Riaz leads the traditional march past, while contingents of women athletes from every division take part in a vibrant parade.

Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar says that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, sports activities are being expanded to the tehsil level. He adds that female athletes are being provided monthly stipends. He highlights that Punjab secures first position by winning 126 medals in the Punjab National Games and 173 medals in the Quaid-e-Azam Games. He further announces that 184 sports projects are being completed across Punjab within one year and that synthetic astro-turf hockey stadiums will be constructed in every district to promote the sport.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026