PESHAWAR: The Qayyum Sports Complex is all set to host National Games from Saturday as a colorful full-dress rehearsal show on the eve of the 31st edition of the Games was held on Friday.
Routes leading to the sport complex were manned by army and police. They used snipers in the neighborhood to ensure better security.
Olympian Rahim Khan lit the torch in a colorful ceremony.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Minister Syed Aqil Shah spearheaded the campaign of holding the games in Peshawar that had twice been postponed in view of bad law and order situation in the terrorism-hit province.
Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, in his capacity as a Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination graced the occasion as guest of honour in the National Games that will culminate on December 31.
Traditional drummers enthralled the spectators in the QYC, who remained less in number but were responsive to the performers. Students of the Islamia Collegiate School Islamia College University (chartered) held Pakistan Olympic Association’s flag. March Past of the players participating in the game from the whole country also kept the audience engaged throughout the ceremony.
National anthem was also sung by students of local school. Qazi Tufail the famous glider rider displayed his performance and students of Agricultural University Public School performed a show. The Pakistan Army motorcycle aero bates were also part of the attraction.
An interesting situation emerged when a high-ranking police officer, during a visit to the stadium, found some of his subordinates watching the ceremony instead of performing their duties.
The government had made fool-proof security arrangements for the security of players’ officials and spectators, said Information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain.
“It is a massive success that National Games are being held in the provincial capital. It is very encouraging the games have ultimately been started in Peshawar.
“The Games were meant to send a message that the security situation has improved as compared to last year. The basic idea behind the National Games is to spread a message of peace and love across the board,” he said.
The provincial government was paying more attention to all forms of games because it is believed that the development of sport significant for healthy and developed nations.