Thousands defied security concerns have gathered in Qayyum Sports Complex to express jubilation on the opening much awaited week-long sports festival of 31st National Games here on Saturday. The National Games scheduled in 2008 were twice postponed in past has been given a theme of 'Hamara Pakistan Sara Pakistan' (Our Pakistan and Whole Pakistan) and a slogan of Play for Peace.
Special arrangements have been made for event and all the road passing in front of the Sports Complex and surrounding area has been sealed for provision of security to players and general public. A large number of spectators, including students of different public sector schools attended the opening ceremony.
The Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Governor, Owais Ahmad Ghani, who was chief guest on the occasion announced the inauguration of the 31st National Games. More than 7,000 athletes along with officials were participated in mega sports event. The event will continue till December 30. Competition in 28 different games would be held during the week-long event.
The contingents of federal capital, four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Balistan, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Railways, Wapda and Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force passed one by one before the stage. Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Minister for Sports, Culture and Tourism, Aqil Shah and Provincial Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain remained present on the occasion.
Amir Atlas, squash star and gold medalist of the recent Asian Games torched the Olympic Lamp. On this occasion all players, athletes, referee, judges and umpires administered oath of adherence of following rules and regulations and neutrality. The culture of all four provinces was also highlighted with the presentation of traditional dances.
The national anthem played in the function and all participants stand up from their seats to give standing ovation. The students of Islamic Collegiate School have received great applause by presenting parade before a large number of people. The crowd paid great applause and cheer by standing ovation on the performance of little kids, students, particularly Military Police (MP), as displaying stunning and risky demonstration on motorbike.
The girls' students and junior level Kids of Agriculture Public School had displayed performance on National song and PT on the occasion. The drummers showed their skill and aptitude by beating two drums each time. The crowd enjoyed and cheers the entire performance of little schools kids, students, especially MP perilous demonstration.
The Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Minister for Sports, Culture and Tourism, Aqil Shah, during his short address extended thanks to all athletes, officials, schools administration for making the opening event successful. He attributed that due to support and co-operation Khyber-Pakhtunkwa Olympic Association, sportsmen, the event would be concluded with healthy and peaceful environment. He assured that the government would provide all pre-requisite facilities and security to athletes, officials and organisers.
Talking to media, Provincial Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that they want smile on the grim faces and utilising sports for this purpose. He was jubilant over the successful inaugural ceremony and expressed the hope that it would be completed peacefully. He said that battle against terrorism would continue till the defeat of the terrorists, saying that the holding of the sports event was mean to send a message of peace and brotherhood from the province to the world.