34th National Games in Balochistan marked a historic moment in the region's journey towards peace, progress, and renewed hope. Balochistan has been plagued by terrorism and instability for years; however, the successful organization of these games not only showcased the remarkable resilience of the people, but also symbolized the defeat of terrorism through the power of sports.
Athletes from all across the country participated in the event. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended its opening ceremony, while President Arif Alvi attended the closing ceremony.
The National Games acted as a catalyst, rekindling hope in the hearts of Balochistan’s residents. The event provided a platform for athletes, irrespective of their backgrounds or ethnicities, to come together and showcase their talents. The participation of local sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes created a sense of unity and empowerment, instilling a belief that a brighter future was within reach. The games became a symbol of hope, reminding the people of Balochistan that they could overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
The successful organization of these games in Balochistan served as a resounding defeat for terrorism. The province displayed its determination to move forward and emerge from the shadow of violence by hosting a large-scale sports event. The games are a testament to the resilience and bravery of the people of Balochistan, who refused to be intimidated by acts of terror. Through the power of sports, they demonstrated that unity, peace, and progress can triumph over fear and division.
• National Games (Quaid-e-Azam Trophy) is the most important sports event of the country held biennially under the arrangement of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).
• The first National Games were held at Karachi in 1948, which were inaugurated by father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He donated a trophy from his pocket for award to the best participating unit during these games.
• Services, all departments and provinces including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) participate in this sports event.
• The last National Games were held at Peshawar in 2019, in which the Army secured 150 Gold, 134 Silver and 96 Bronze medals. Historically, army has been the champion 26 times out of 33.
The games in Balochistan will be remembered as a turning point in the province's history—when hope was revived and terrorism was defeated through the power of sports. By showcasing its people's resilience, unity, and talent, Balochistan sent a powerful message to the world that no challenge is insurmountable when a community comes together with a shared vision of peace and progress. The success of the games has laid the foundation for a brighter future, inspiring generations to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth of Balochistan.
The 34th National Games, also known as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, were held in Quetta, Balochistan from May 12 to May 30, 2023. The event was organized by the Government of Balochistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). It featured a total of 30 men's and 25 women's sports disciplines.
The participating units in the games included Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Pakistan Police, Pakistan Railways, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). These units competed in various sports disciplines to win medals for their respective teams.
The games witnessed a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship. Notable sports activities included archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, bodybuilding, boxing, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, softball, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, tug of war, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.
Pakistan Army emerged as the top-performing unit, securing the first position in the games. They demonstrated exceptional performance and won a total of 199 gold medals, 133 silver medals, and 66 bronze medals. Pakistan WAPDA secured the second position with 101 gold medals, 80 silver medals, and 290 bronze medals, while Pakistan Navy stood third with 28 gold medals, 32 silver medals, and 49 bronze medals.
The award ceremony for the 34th National Games was attended by various dignitaries. Lieutenant General (Retired) Syed Arif Hasan, President of the POA, was the Chief Guest for the ceremony. Other attendees included Mr. Abdul Aziz Uquaili, Chief Secretary of Balochistan and Chairman of the Management Committee for the 34 National Games in Quetta, Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri Gillani, Vice President of the POA, Mr. Muhammad Ishaque Jamali, Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Balochistan, and Mr. Durra Baloch, Director General of Sports, Balochistan.
During the event, army personnel and government officials delivered remarks, emphasizing the significance of the games in promoting unity, peace, and progress in Balochistan. They praised the participants for their dedication, skills, and sportsmanship, and highlighted the role of sports in revitalizing hope and defeating terrorism in the region.
Medal Position of the Participating Units
The Provisional Medal position of all the participating Units in 34th National Games, 2023 Quetta, prepared on the basis of results received from the respective National Sports Federations is as under:
The successful organization of the 34th National Games in Balochistan left an indelible mark on the province. It showcased the immense talent and potential of Balochistan's athletes and attracted national and international attention. The event provided a platform for athletes from diverse backgrounds to come together and display their skills. The success of the games also paved the way for future opportunities, such as hosting more national and international sporting events, which would contribute to the economic and social development of Balochistan.
Comments