The division level competitions of Khelta Punjab Games 2024 exploded into action with a colourful opening ceremony at Nishtar Park Sports Complex (NPSC) Gymnasium Hall on Monday.
Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of Khelta Punjab Games being held under the auspices of Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab.
Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood and Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry launched the proceedings of division level competitions of Khelta Punjab Games by playing ceremonial badminton.
Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood and Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry were also presented souvenirs on this occasion. They were also introduced to the participating athletes of the Khelta Punjab Games.
Director Sports Yasmeen Akhtar, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem, Director Youth Affairs Rana Nadeem Anjum, Deputy Directors Zahoor Ahmed, Ata ur Rehman, Chand Perveen, District Sports Officer Lahore Tanveer Abbas and a large number of male and female athletes were also present on this occasion.
While talking to media, Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood said that the division level competitions of the Khelta Punjab Games will be organised from November 25 to December 4. “The players from all divisions of the province will participate in these competitions. Overall, 120,000 players from across the province are participating in the Khelta Punjab Games competitions,” he added.
Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood further said that the competitions of 12 games including hockey, volleyball, archery, athletics, cricket, basketball, football, kabaddi, mat wrestling, taekwondo, table tennis and badminton will be held during Punjab Games. “Earlier, the competitions of six games were held during district level Khelta Punjab Games,” he added.
Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood expressed his delight at the participation of plenty of female athletes in the Khelta Punjab Games. “These exciting events are being organized in accordance with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,” he maintained.
Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid bin Maqsood said that Sports Board Punjab has made excellent arrangements for the smooth holding of division level competitions of Khelta Punjab Games. “The sports culture plays an important role in the formation of a healthy society,” he added.