National Games get underway

The 27th National Games was formally opened here at Ayub Stadium on Thursday afternoon amid tight security, colourful tableaus and beautiful march past by the players participating in the games.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousaf, who was the chief guest on the occasion, announced the formal inauguration of the National Games. President Pakistan Olympic Association Lieutenant General Arif Hassan, Organizing Secretary of the National Games Afzal Awan and Balochistan Sports Minister Colonel - Mohammad Younus Changezi were also present on the occasion.
Changezi in his reception address on the occasion welcomed the players in the provincial capital and said that this is the third occasion Balochistan is hosting the National Games.
He termed the sports essential for character building of youth and said as establishment of educational institutions is necessary for development of education similarly construction of stadiums and playgrounds is also indispensable for promotion of sports.
He thanked Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani for taking personal interest n holding of the National Games in Quetta and making efforts for provision of finds to hold this sports gala.
He also thanked the Chief Minister for his co-operation in this regard and said hat despite limited resources of the province he extended all possible assistance to the organisers to hold the National Games.
He also thanked the organizers specially Balochistan Police for their co-operation.
Changezi assured the players of providing them with all possible facilities during their stay in the provincial capital.
Later, the Chief Minister formally announced the inauguration of the National Games with which hundreds of balloons and pigeons were released in the air and sound of aerial firing echoed in the stadium.
President POA Lieutenant General Arif Hassan on the occasion presented a shield to the Chief Minister.
Olympian boxer Asghar Ali Changezi hoisted the National Games Flag in the stadium while former Asian boxing champion Syed Ibrar Hussain Changezi lit the Olympic torch.
Later, the players took oath of observing the rules and regulations of the National Games under the shadow of 200 feet long and 100 feet wide National Flag.
Police contingents led by lady constable Shehla Rehman displayed beautiful PT show to amuse the spectators. A cultural show was also presented on the occasion during which various groups clad in traditional Balochi, Punjabi, Sindhi and Afghani dresses displayed folk dances of all the four provinces.
A national song "We are Pakistani, we all are Pakistani, welcome3 welcome" was also sung on the occasion to welcome the players participating in various events. A number of other beautiful tableaus were also presented on the occasion.
A large number of spectators including women attended the inaugural ceremony.