Punjab on top of Games medals table

ISLAMABAD: Punjab stayed on top of the medals table with 26 golds following the opening day of the 3rd Quaid-e-Azam Games underway here at the Pakistan Sports Complex.

Punjab also earned 28 silvers and six bronze medals to make it 60 medals in all. Islamabad followed with five gold medals, one silver, and sixteen bronze medals. In all Islamabad has far won 24 medals. Sindh, KPK, and AJK so far have won one gold medal each.

On Saturday evening the third Quaid-e-Azam was declared open. Arshad Nadeem, the Olympic gold medalist lit the Ganes flame with weightlifter Nooh Dastigeer Butt and was given the honour to conduct oath from over 2000 athletes gathering from all parts of the country.

Olympian athlete Shabana Akhtar, hockey stalwart Manzoorul Hasan, Aisamul Haq Qureshi, Salman Iqbal Butt and Asian bronze medalist Kashmala Talat took a round of the stadium with Games flame handing it over to Arhsad to light the flame. Athletes’ march past was the next part of the ceremony.

Advisor to Prime Minister on IPC Rana Sanaullah welcomed the athletes on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “We believe in sports for all. The prime minister is keen to see youngsters follow sports instead of pursuing negative activities. These Games are being conducted after seven years. These must be organised every year.”