KARACHI: Karachi came alive on Friday as Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah officially inaugurated the torch relay for the 35th National Games at the iconic Mazar-e-Quaid. The Games, scheduled from Dec 6 to 13 across 24 venues, will feature over 11,000 athletes and officials from all provinces and major departments, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Wapda, Police, and HEC.
The CM received the torch from international athletes, symbolizing hope and sportsmanship, and pledged that the Sindh government would ensure world-class arrangements. “Karachi has the unparalleled honour to host the National Games after nearly two decades. We aim to make this edition memorable for the entire country,” he said, recalling that the first National Olympics were inaugurated in Karachi in 1948 by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
A wave of electric excitement swept over Karachi on Friday as the city, the original cradle of Pakistan’s sports, hosted the momentous Torch Relay Ceremony performed by Sindh Chief Minister @MuradAliShahPPP for the 35th National Games 2025, starting from December 6th to 13th. pic.twitter.com/GT08OPEJn3
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) November 14, 2025
The flame will embark on a nationwide relay, including a historic journey across the Arabian Sea aboard a ship, before returning to Karachi for the grand opening ceremony at the National Stadium on Dec 6, presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the closing ceremony on Dec 13.
CM Murad also unveiled the logo for the Games, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the event. The Games will feature 34 sports, spanning Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines such as archery, athletics, rowing, and rugby, while the provincial sports department announced a biennial Youth Olympics to engage the younger generation.
Sindh Chief Minister @MuradAliShahPPP announced that the Youth Olympics would be organized by the provincial sports department biennially for the youth. #35thNationalGames2025 #Karachi #TorchRelay pic.twitter.com/O92Z9Xm8vo
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) November 14, 2025
Dignitaries including Sindh Sports Minister Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar, President of Pakistan Olympic Association, Secretary of Sports Munawar Mahesar, and other officials attended the torch ceremony, marking a spirited start to Pakistan’s most anticipated sporting event of the year.