Punjab’s selection committees on Thursday continued to conduct merit-based trials at Nishter Park Sports Complex for selecting different Punjab teams for participation in the 35th National Games.
The boxing trials were held at the Nishter Park Sports Complex Body Contact Center while boys’ weightlifting trials were held at the Elite Training Centre.
Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry visited both above-mentioned venues to inspect the trials proceedings. Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum and other officials were also present on the occasion.
While talking to media, Director General Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry said that Punjab has the best athletes in all games including weightlifting and boxing. “Punjab players also topped in the Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Games and we expect the same kind of medal-winning performance from Punjab contingent at the Karachi National Games”.
Director General Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry said that provincial sports associations are also involved in the trials in which Punjab’s players are being selected purely on merit. “The trials process will continue for the next two days to select the best players of Punjab for National Games scheduled at Karachi from December 6 to 13”.
Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry said that the training camps of Punjab’s selected teams will start from November 24 at different venues. “Best arrangements are being made for the training camps so that Punjab athletes can prepare themselves properly for the mega event. The members of Punjab contingent will participate in the National Games with full preparation”.
Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry said that Punjab contingent will depart for Karachi on December 4 to participate in National Games. “It is nice to see a large number of athletes participating in open boxing trials. The skills of selected athletes will be further polished in the training camps”.
In weightlifting trials, more than 50 boys participated in eight weight categories such as 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, 94kg, 110kg and 110+. The selection committee headed by Aqeel Javed Butt oversaw the selection process.
More than 120 male and female players participated in boxing trials in which 10 boys and 8 girls will be selected to represent Punjab in the National Games. The selectors conducted exhibition matches between players to assess the skills of players.