KARACHI: A wave of electric excitement swept over Karachi on Friday as the metropolis hosted the momentous torch relay ceremony performed by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for the 35th National Games, to be held from Dec 6 to 13 in Karachi.

This magnificent spectacle, which was held at the sacred Mazar-e-Quaid, was presided over by the CM who officially launched the countdown to the Games which will be held at 24 venues.

The flame, a symbol of hope and sportsmanship, was ceremonially passed from the hands of international athletes to CM Murad.

“Karachi has the unparalleled honour to host the National Games after nearly two decades. Therefore, it must be organised in a befitting and memorable manner,” Chief Minister Murad declared during his address.

“The Sindh government believes promoting sports is essential for engaging youth in healthy, constructive activities. Hosting the 35th National Games will be a proud moment, not only for Sindh but for the entire country,” he added.

“Today we stand before the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, where the first National Olympic event was held,” he recalled.

The CM recalled that the first National Olympics were inaugurated in Karachi in 1948 by Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of the nation, himself.

“The first [National Games] trophy was donated by Quaid-e-Azam, and to this day the winners [of the Games] receive the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy,” he added.

While highlighting that Karachi has hosted the highest number of National Games, Murad expressed full confidence in the success of the upcoming edition.

“On behalf of the Government of Sindh, its Sports Department and the entire administration, I assure you that the 35th National Games will be a resounding success,” he insisted.

“I hope Karachiites will fill every venue. These Games will be among the most successful National Games Pakistan has ever seen.

The CM continued, “Today, the National Games torch has arrived in Karachi from Quetta [previous host], and from here it will move to Peshawar — the host of the next National Games.”

After pledging that the Sindh government would ensure world-class arrangements for the National Games, the CM concluded his address with the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.

The ceremony, which began with the recitation of the holy Quran and the national anthem, was charged with patriotic fervour. Students, Olympic representatives, and dignitaries watched as the Balochistan Olympic Association formally handed over the torch, officially transferring the hosting baton to the CM of Sindh.

CM Murad passed the torch to Sindh Sports Minister Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar, unleashing the flame upon its epic journey. The torch will be carried along Karachi’s most significant routes, a beacon of light for the City of Lights. In a spectacular first, it will be borne across the Arabian Sea aboard a ship before commencing its nationwide relay to other provinces.

The CM on the occasion also unveiled the logo for the 35th National Games, underscoring the historical significance of the event.

The Games will bring together more than 11,000 athletes and officials from all provinces and major departments including Army, Navy, Air Force, Wapda, Police and the HEC.

A total of 34 sports, covering both Olympic and non-Olympic events, from archery and athletics to rowing and rugby.

After crisscrossing the nation, the flame will return to Karachi for the grand opening ceremony at the National Stadium on Dec 6, to be presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the chief guest at the Dec 13 closing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister announced that the Youth Olympics would be organised by the provincial sports department biennially for the youth.

Minister of Sports Sardar Moha­mmad Bux Khan Mahar and Pres­ident Pakistan Olympic Association also spoke on the occasion. Secretary of Sports Munawar Mahesar and others from the sports department and the Sindh Olympics were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2025