Sindh Police Games inaugurated after a gap of 14 years

The Sindh Police Games 2025 symbolise the physical and mental strength of the police force, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said after inaugurating the games at the Garden police headquarters on Wednesday.

The Sindh police presented a vibrant fireworks display on the occasion. The opening ceremony was attended by Sindh IG Ghulam Nabi Memon, Karachi Addl IG Javed Alam Odho, the Sindh Police Sports Board (SPSB) chairman and a large number of senior police officers.

Police bands delivered impressive and captivating performances, while the participants warmly welcomed this peaceful and well-organised event, which began in a secure, peaceful and sports-friendly environment.

The SPSB chairman said that 12 contingents are taking part in 18 different sports competitions, for which 13 venues have been selected, while 1,547 players and over 180 police officials are participating. Moreover, 900 medals and 78 trophies will be awarded to outstanding performers.

The games include athletics, cricket, football, volleyball, badminton, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu and various other competitions aimed at promoting healthy activities, teamwork, discipline and mutual cooperation among police officials.

Lanjar noted that sports not only contribute to building a healthy society but also serve as an effective means of promoting endurance, unity and teamwork within the force. He appreciated all the officers involved in successfully organising the event, hoping that the games would continue to be held annually in an even better manner.

He remarked that this magnificent beginning of the games not only lifts the morale of the force but also represents a significant step toward promoting sports and positive activities across the province.

He said the public have witnessed police performance in the past and continue to do so. However, police are now providing public services more effectively than ever before, he added.

He also said the games reflect this positive and dynamic face of police. He congratulated IG Memon and the SPSB chairman on successfully organising the event. Lanjar said the government aims to revive sports grounds, as healthy activities not only nurture positive thinking among youth but also strengthen social harmony. Karachi’s situation has improved significantly, allowing major sports events and matches to be held regularly — a clear sign of the city’s peace and stability, he added.

He stressed that the public must also encourage police, as the force sacrifices their lives and performs duties even under the most challenging circumstances. He proposed expanding the scope of the games by including special sports quotas for boys and girls so they too can actively participate in healthy activities.

He said that promoting sports strengthens tolerance, teamwork and positive behaviour within society. He hoped the games would not only promote fitness and a sports culture within the force but also expand further in the coming years.

IG Memon said on the occasion that organising such events is a symbol of a healthy and disciplined force. He shared that he has tasked his team with holding this event annually, and the remarkable enthusiasm witnessed today is a testament to the efforts of the SPSB chairman.

He said that this event is being held after 14 years. He noted that around the world, forces are given annual time off, and those who do not take it often struggle with mental health challenges.

He pointed out that despite varying crime challenges in Punjab, Karachi and interior Sindh, the Sindh police have demonstrated exemplary performance. He said that over the past three years, Operation Clean-up has continued across Karachi and Sindh. All agencies have worked collectively and achieved significant results, he added.

He also said police have played an active role in the operations, displayed aggressive policing where needed and eliminated all no-go areas without fear for their own lives. Referring to crime statistics, he claimed that street crime in Karachi has decreased by 30 per cent and violence during crimes by 60 per cent, while ransom kidnappings have almost finished. “All these achievements are the result of the police force’s tireless efforts.”