The 35th National Games concluded in a colourful ceremony in Karachi on Saturday, with the Pakistan Army securing the highest medal count.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, attended as the chief guest, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with Sindh’s Chief Minister and Sports Minister, were present to witness the grand finale.
Bilawal presented a Sindhi cap and Ajrak to Field Marshal Munir, symbolising the province’s pride in hosting the national sporting event.
Pakistan Army claimed first position with 353 medals, including 200 gold, 97 silver and 56 bronze. Wapda finished second with 232 medals – 85 gold, 73 silver and 74 bronze – while Pakistan Navy secured third place with 110 medals, comprising 36 gold, 39 silver and 35 bronze. Host province Sindh finished sixth with 96 medals, including 11 gold, 26 silver and 59 bronze.
In addition, Punjab earned 126 medals with 16 gold, 38 silver and 72 bronze, while the Higher Education Commission (HEC) collected 108 medals, including 14 gold, 38 silver and 56 bronze. Pakistan Police received the Best Performance Trophy, while swimmer Hamza Asif Kot was awarded for setting national records in the 50-metre freestyle and breaststroke events.
After distributing trophies to the top three teams – Pakistan Army receiving the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, WAPDA the runner-up trophy, and Pakistan Navy the President Pakistan Olympic Association Trophy – Field Marshal Munir officially declared the games closed.
Addressing the ceremony, Bilawal emphasised that the National Games were “not merely a competition of speed, strength or skill; they were a celebration of Pakistan itself.”
Bilawal praised the athletes as “ambassadors of discipline, perseverance and national unity,” noting that sports instil teamwork, courage, respect for rules and resilience-values critical to the nation.
Touching on the May conflict with India, he lauded the armed forces’ professionalism and coordination, stating, “Pakistan emerged victorious with its sovereignty defended and its honour upheld. This victory reflected the unity of our people and the discipline of our forces.”
“As the National Games conclude, may the friendships, lessons, and unity displayed here continue to strengthen our federation,” he added.