A graceful and vibrant torch relay ceremony for the 35th National Games was held here at the Rawal Dam on Sunday, attracting athletes, officials and sports enthusiasts from across the capital.
The event was organized by the Islamabad Olympic Association (IOA), marking another significant milestone in the build-up to the national mega sporting event.
The ceremony featured prominent sports personalities, including Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui and Asian Gold Medalist Muhammad Akram.
IOA Secretary General Rizwan ul Haq Razi, along with a large number of athletes, organizers and officials, also attended the event, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding the upcoming Games. In a unique display, the National Games torch was brought to the venue on boats sailing across Rawal Lake, creating a symbolic and visually striking moment.
Upon arrival, Rizwan-ul-Haq formally handed over the torch to the Balochistan Olympic Association, signifying the continuation of the nationwide relay. The torch relay had travelled through several cities before reaching the federal capital, showcasing unity, national spirit and the rising anticipation within sports communities across Pakistan.
The 35th National Games, a colourful mega event, will officially begin on December 6 in Karachi. More than 6,000 athletes from across the country are expected to participate, competing in a wide range of sports and displaying their skills on one of Pakistan’s biggest sporting stages.