CM to open Pink Games on May 2

LAHORE:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will inaugurate First CM Punjab Pink Games 2024 on May 2. Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar made this announcement at the logo unveiling ceremony in the presence of a large number of media personnel at the National Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Secretary Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, DG Youth Affairs and Sports Punjab Pervez Iqbal, Deputy Director Zahoor Ahmed and other officials were also present on this occasion. Addressing the press conference, Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that 1,300 female athletes from 19 universities of the Punjab province will participate in the Pink Games. “A hefty prize money of Rs 50 lakh will be distributed among the participating players,” he added.

He announced that all the participating female athletes will be given best facilities including playing kits and allowances. “Our monitoring committees will observe the performance of all athletes minutely for the merit based selection of female athletes. We will hold more such events in future to provide maximum playing opportunities to our female athletes”. Khokhar further said that female athletes will be seen in action in seven sports disciplines such as badminton, table tennis, archery, basketball, athletics, hockey and cricket (tape ball) competitions. “Sports Board Punjab will select the best 100 players from Pink Games and prepare them for inter-provincial games,” he added.

Pink Games trophy unveiled

The unveiling of the trophy for the First CM Punjab Pink Games marked a significant moment in the presence of hundreds of female athletes from various universities.

The trophy's tour started at the National Hockey Stadium, where it was adorned on a decorated vehicle amid vibrant drum beats and patriotic songs. The trophy made its way to Punjab University and then to Lahore College for Women University (LCWU).

Key figures such as Director Sports Yasmeen Akhtar, Vice Chancellor of LCWU Prof Shagufta Naz, sports directors from various universities, and officials from the Sports Board Punjab participated in the ceremonies. National and international women players and coaches also graced the events with their presence.

Addressing the audience, Prof Shagufta appreciated the organisation of the First CM Punjab Pink Games, highlighting its importance for the future of female athletes. She lauded CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for spearheading this initiative and emphasised its significance in promoting women's sports. Similarly, University of Lahore Sports Director Sumaira Sattar emphasised the positive impact of such games in encouraging women athletes. The participants also took part in a rally on bikes to underscore the importance of the First CM Punjab Pink Games and the empowerment of women in sports. Overall, the unveiling of the trophy symbolized a step forward in promoting women's participation in sports and fostering a supportive environment for female athletes in Punjab.