LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the “Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026,” a major sporting event featuring 3,400 female athletes from across the province.

The opening ceremony was held at the Punjab Stadium in Nishtar Park Sports Complex. The event was attended by provincial ministers, members of the assembly, veteran athletes, and a large number of young girls.

Maryam Nawaz toured the stadium, visiting each pavilion to encourage and motivate the female athletes. Representatives from every division carried the Pink Games torch around the stadium before lighting it to formally commence the event.

Olympian athlete Faiqa Riaz led the ceremonial march past, as teams of female athletes from different divisions participated in a traditional parade. The stadium echoed with drumbeats and enthusiastic slogans throughout the ceremony.

Provincial Sports Minister Faisal Khokhar said that under the chief minister’s directive, sports activities are being expanded to the tehsil level. He added that female athletes are being provided monthly stipends to support their training and development.

Highlighting Punjab’s recent achievements, Khokhar stated that the province secured 126 medals at the National Games and 173 medals at the Quaid-e-Azam Games, topping the medal tables in both events.