A grand sports festival was held across Balochistan to commemorate Pakistan Day, with a series of exciting competitions underway.
Organised by the Sports Department of the Government of Balochistan, the festival featured futsal, wushu, and basketball tournaments that had commenced with great enthusiasm.
The futsal tournament kicked off at the QDA Ground in Satellite Town, Quetta, with the special guest, Mir Liaqat Ali Lehri, a prominent member of the Pakistan People's Party and Parliamentary Secretary, officiating the opening ceremony. The opening event saw a significant crowd in attendance, including Organising Committee members Abdul Baqi and Muhammad Sadiq.
After introducing the players, Liaqat Ali Lehri officially launched the futsal tournament, which was set to continue until March 22.
Meanwhile, the basketball competitions began at the Pakistan Sports Board Quetta Centre, with the General Secretary of the Balochistan Olympic Association, Sher Muhammad Tareen, inaugurating the matches. Six teams from Quetta participated in these thrilling basketball contests.
The wushu competition also commenced at the Ayub Sports Complex’s Martial Arts Gymnasium, where 35 players from Quetta, competing in seven different weight categories, showcased their skills.
During a conversation with sports journalists at the event, Liaqat Ali Lehri expressed his approval of the festival’s organisation in honour of Pakistan Day. “The celebration of Pakistan Day through a sports festival is truly encouraging,” he remarked. He reaffirmed the Balochistan government's commitment to promoting sports and providing opportunities for athletes.
Lehri also praised the large turnout of spectators despite the challenging law and order situation in the region. He emphasized, “We will encourage the youth to engage in sports to protect them from the curse of drugs and help them bring glory to their province and country through athletics.” Furthermore, he expressed his determination to establish additional grounds in the area.
The sports festival has not only provided athletes with a platform to showcase their talents but has also become a means of fostering national unity and promoting positive activities among the youth.
