DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Gomal Medical College (GMC) celebrated its Annual Sports Day and the concluding ceremony of its sports gala with enthusiasm and wide student participation the other day, highlighting not only academic excellence but also creativity, sportsmanship and co-curricular engagement.

Students from all classes, from first year to final year, took part in the colourful event by presenting unique themes, historical and cultural characters, and thought-provoking performances that reflected both artistic expression and social awareness.

A major attraction of the ceremony was the inter-class theme competition, in which the third-year class secured first position and was declared the overall theme winner.

Students linked the medical profession with broader societal issues by presenting themes related to film, history, culture, crime and punishment, environmental degradation and tree cutting.

Through these performances, they sought to emphasise that doctors are not only healers of individuals but also responsible members of society who must understand and respond to social challenges.

The ceremony also featured prize distribution for major and minor sports events, where trophies and shields were awarded by Dean Prof Naseem Saba, along with other guests.

In major games, fourth-year students emerged as champions in both cricket and football, while the third-year class secured victory in volleyball.

The fourth-year class was also declared the overall champion of the sports gala and earned the titles of Boys Champions, Girls Champions and Overall Champions.

Major games included cricket, football, volleyball and badminton, while minor games featured ludo, carrom board, chess, snooker, table tennis, e-games and cards.

The event was attended by several renowned national athletes as special guests, including Areeba Javed, who represented Pakistan at the World University Games in Germany 2025 and won multiple gold, silver and bronze medals in national and international taekwondo championships.

A special tribute was also paid to Irfan Mehsud, the first Pakistani to achieve 100 and 150 Guinness World Records in martial arts and fitness.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saba said GMC was recognised not only for excellence in medical education but also for its strong tradition of co-curricular activities.

“We want our students to become not only competent doctors but also responsible citizens, better leaders and positive contributors to society,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026