The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Under-21 Games commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the Peshawar Sports Complex on Wednesday, marking a major sporting event aimed at promoting youth talent across the province.
Athletes from all regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participated in a colourful march past, accompanied by cultural performances featuring traditional folk dances that reflected the province’s rich heritage. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi formally inaugurated the games.
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Several senior officials attended the ceremony, including Excise and Taxation Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan, Adviser for Sports and Youth Affairs Taj Mohammad Tarand, Sports Secretary Mohammad Asif Khan, Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah, Director General (Sports) Tashfeen Haider, Additional DG Rasheeda Ghaznavi, Director for Merged Districts Umar Arshad Khan and other relevant officials.
Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Afridi said the provincial government was prioritising sports development in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure and expand opportunities for athletes throughout the province.
وزیر اعلیٰ سہیل آفریدی کی پختونخوا انڈر 21 گیمز 2026 کی اوپننگ سرمنی میں شرکت !! pic.twitter.com/sv6zeTbo91
— M Anwar Afridi (@AnwarAfridiISF) February 4, 2026
وزیر اعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا l سہیل آفریدی کا پشاور میں انڈر 21 گیمز کے آغاز کے موقع پر مکمل خطاب pic.twitter.com/kITHk2avaN
— Rizwan Ghilzai (Remembering Arshad Sharif) (@rizwanghilzai) February 4, 2026
Expressing optimism, the chief minister said he hoped Pakistan Super League matches would be hosted in Peshawar during the current year. He added that athletes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessed immense potential to represent Pakistan at national and international levels in various sports.
He urged the participants to compete with dedication and enthusiasm, assuring them of continued government support for sports promotion and athlete development.
Adviser Taj Mohammad Tarand said the Under-21 Games were being organised under the auspices of the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that more than 5,000 male and female athletes from seven regions and 36 districts were taking part in the event.
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According to organisers, competitions are being held in 38 sports for men and 18 sports for women. Men’s events are scheduled at the Peshawar, Hayatabad, Kohat and Mardan sports complexes, while women’s competitions will take place at Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex in Charsadda, Peshawar Board Ground and Hayatabad Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s team events of the 62nd National Badminton Championship concluded in Peshawar, with Pakistan Wapda winning the men’s title and Pakistan Army claiming the women’s crown.