PESHAWAR: Over 3,000 male and female athletes from 30 public sector universities are participating in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-University Games, which started in Peshawar Sports Complex here on Wednesday.

Provincial minister for sports Mohammad Atif Khan formally inaugurated the games in a colourful ceremony by unveiling the games logo. The sports competitions will continue till Oct 24 amid tight security.

The boys will participate in cricket, football and volleyball games, while girls will vie for top honours in volleyball, cricket and badminton.

The ceremony was started with a march past where balloons, pigeon, and banners inscribed with different sports slogans were released in the air.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the purpose of organising such games was to provide opportunities to the players to show their talent and then compete on the national and international level.

He said the players from different universities would also connect with each other during the event. He said the games would be regularly held on annual basis.

Atif Khan said that inter-school and inter-college games would also be held regularly. He said there was no dearth of sports talent in the province and if the players continued to get opportunities like this they would bring laurels for the province and country.

The minister appreciated the relevant committees for organising these games.

On this occasion, DG Sports Khalid Khan highlighted the importance of inter-university sports and said such events would continue in the future also.

Director NAB Mian Waqar lauded KP Directorate General Sports for involving the youth in sports activities. He urged the youth to take up their responsibilities and say no to drugs and corruption for a healthy society.

The fireworks at the opening ceremony were enjoyed by the players and spectators. South Asian Cycling Association president Syed Azhar Ali Shah, former international athlete Bahre Karam, director female games Ms Rashida Ghaznavi, organizing secretary Mariyyah Samin, Rahim Bibi, Dr Farooq Khan and coaches were also present besides others.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2022