Pakistan Army Crowned Champions as 35th National Games Conclude in Karachi

The curtain came down on the 35th National Games on Saturday as Pakistan Army stamped its authority on the biggest domestic sporting event in the country. Karachi hosted the Games from December 6 to December 13, marking Sindh’s return as host after an 18-year gap and delivering a week of intense, competitive sport across multiple venues.

Pakistan Army finished on top of the medal table by a wide margin, lifting the overall championship trophy and reaffirming its dominance in national multi-sport events. WAPDA secured second place with consistent performances across disciplines, while Pakistan Navy completed the podium with a strong third-place finish.

Army Set the Benchmark Across Disciplines

Pakistan Army controlled the Games from the opening days and never allowed rivals to close the gap. Their athletes collected close to 200 gold medals and crossed an overall tally of more than 350 medals. The depth of talent, preparation, and institutional backing showed clearly across nearly every sport on the schedule.

Army athletes dominated boxing, rowing, shooting, women’s football, and softball, often sweeping podium finishes. Their consistency across individual and team events ensured that the title race ended early, long before the final medals were decided.

Jehanara Nabi delivered one of the standout individual performances of the Games. The Olympian swimmer claimed eight gold medals and thrilled spectators with her control, speed, and composure across multiple races. Her haul reflected both elite preparation and long-term athlete development within the Army system.

WAPDA and Navy Hold Their Ground

WAPDA finished second with approximately 85 gold medals and more than 230 medals overall. Their athletes performed strongly in athletics, swimming, and combat sports, often pushing Army competitors deep into finals. WAPDA relied on balance rather than dominance, and that approach kept them clear of the chasing pack.

Pakistan Navy secured third place with an estimated 110 medals. Navy teams showed strength in aquatic sports and team events, while several young athletes used the Games as a breakthrough platform. Their finish reinforced Navy’s steady rise in domestic competition over recent years.

Punjab Lead Provincial Challenge

Among provincial teams, Punjab emerged as the strongest unit and finished high on the overall standings. Punjab athletes delivered medals across athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting, continuing the province’s tradition of producing competitive all-round performers.

Host Sindh enjoyed key moments during the Games, including winning the first gold medal in women’s netball. Home crowds backed local athletes throughout the week, especially during team events and evening finals.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan showed improvement in selected disciplines but lacked depth across the full program. Their athletes competed with energy and intent, though medal counts reflected resource gaps when compared with departmental teams.

Smaller Units Fight With Spirit

Teams such as Railways, Police, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir finished lower on the table but competed with clear commitment. Several athletes from these regions reached finals and semifinals, gaining valuable exposure against elite opponents.

Officials and coaches acknowledged the effort from smaller units, while also highlighting the need for better facilities, coaching access, and competition pathways at grassroots levels.

Games End With Bigger Questions Ahead

The 35th National Games delivered scale, competition, and moments of excellence, yet they also exposed the widening gap between departmental teams and provincial setups. Pakistan Army’s dominance reflected planning and investment rather than short-term form.

As the Games conclude, attention now shifts toward athlete development, funding balance, and sustained competition structures. Pakistan’s sporting future demands consistency, opportunity, and long-term vision beyond medal tables.

The National Games closed with celebration, pride, and reflection, leaving behind champions, emerging talent, and a clear roadmap for what comes next.