Punjab's triumphant athletes have attributed their remarkable success at the 35th National Games directly to the professional training and state-of-the-art facilities provided by the Punjab Sports Department. The province dominated the competition, securing the top position on the medals table.
Record-Breaking Medal Haul for Punjab
At the 35th National Games held in Karachi, Punjab clinched an impressive total of 126 medals. This outstanding collection included 16 gold, 38 silver, and 72 bronze medals, ensuring the province outperformed all other regions and major departments in the country.
Athletes Praise Training and Leadership
Speaking to media representatives at the National Hockey Stadium, the winning contingent highlighted the crucial role played by a focused 12-day preparatory camp. They also emphasized the continuous encouragement from Director General Sports Punjab, Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, which significantly boosted team morale and confidence.
The athletes revealed that the DG Sports made it a point to personally visit various competition venues throughout the Games to motivate and support the Punjab contingent, a gesture they found highly inspiring.
Champions Acknowledge Support System
Top performers from various disciplines came forward to commend the Sports Board Punjab for its comprehensive support system. Table tennis stars Awais Hasan and Kulsoom Khan, along with fencers Natasha Maqsood and Nawal Nadeem, and wushu champions Zaib Hasnain and Maryam Rafiq, specifically praised the provision of quality equipment, expert coaching, and financial incentives facilitated through the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund.
Cash Rewards and Future Commitment
In recognition of their stellar achievements, Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry announced plans for a grand award ceremony. At this event, medalists will receive substantial cash prizes: Rs 5 lakh for gold, Rs 3 lakh for silver, and Rs 2 lakh for bronze.
This initiative reaffirms the Punjab government's steadfast commitment to athlete welfare and its dedication to fostering sporting excellence. The victorious athletes, buoyed by this support, have vowed to strive for even greater success in upcoming national and international competitions.
