Athletes Shine and Crowds Cheer on Day 1 of 35th National Games in Karachi

Karachi hosts the 35th National Games which officially began after an 18-year gap in Sindh. The National Stadium hosted a glittering opening ceremony where Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the Games, and Olympian Arshad Nadeem lit the torch.

Football

On the pitch, preliminary men’s football matches delivered drama and intensity. Pakistan Police defeated Sindh 2-1, while Pakistan Army won over Pakistan Navy by the same margin. Coaches are finding it challenging and working on attacking strategies and discipline as they know early victories could set the tone for the tournament.

Fans' excitement didn’t just come from the scores, but from the way teams played with determination and focus.

Netball and Other Sports Take Off

Netball matches at the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre are competitive and each team found battling for early advantage. Though results are still shaping up, players are giving standout performances that promise thrilling encounters ahead. To be honest, this would be an exciting and highly competitive tournament with no easy win for any team.

Across Karachi, competitions also began in athletics, swimming, boxing, and hockey, giving spectators a taste of the scale and variety of the Games.

Young athletes expressed enthusiasm at competing on a national stage. Swimmer Ali Raza said, “Competing here at home pushes us to perform at our best. The energy is unmatched.” The Games are expected to uncover rising stars while providing seasoned competitors a platform to dominate.

What Lies Ahead

The 35th National Games will continue until December 13, featuring 34 sports across 24 venues. Organizers have focused on smooth logistics, strict security, and athlete welfare.