National Games of Pakistan
The National Games of Pakistan is a multi-sport event held in Pakistan. It comprises various disciplines in which sportsmen from the provinces and departments of Pakistan compete against each other. The games are organized by Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Olympic Association, and the host province.
| National Games of Pakistan قومی گیمز | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Multi-sport event |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| Location(s) | Various |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Years active | 1948–present |
| Established | 1948 |
| Founder | Quaid-e-Azam |
| Previous event | 2019 |
| Next event | 2023 |
| Participants | 12,000 |
| Organised by | Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Olympic Association |
| Website | www |
History
Before the Independence of Pakistan, the Indian chapter of the Olympic movement was founded in 1924. The founder was Hassan, the first Secretary of the Punjab Olympic Association. Lt. Col. H.L.O. Garrett, vice principal of Government College, Lahore, was the President of the founding body. At the same time, the Indian Olympic Games were organised in Delhi, Calcutta, and Lahore, the then capital of undivided Punjab.[1][2]
The Games were held every two years from 1924 as Indian Olympic Games and were renamed as National Games when they were first held in Bombay in 1940.
Post-independence
After the independence of Pakistan, the first National Games were held at Polo Ground, Karachi from 23 to 25 April 1948. The games were organised by Ahmed E.H. Jaffar, the first President of the Pakistan Olympic Association.
Sportsmen and officials from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and all the integrated Provincial units of West Pakistan took part in these Games. The total number of athletes was 140. No competitors were, however, invited from any foreign country. Competitions were held in track and field, basketball, boxing, cycling, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling. The overall championship was won by the Punjab contingent.[3]
Quaid-i-Azam Trophy
The Father of the nation and the first Governor General of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared the 1st National Games open. The Quaid-i-Azam donated a "Challenge Shield" from his private funds. The trophy is now named as the "Quaid-i-Azam Trophy" and is awarded to the winning team in every edition.
Organisation
The National Games are required to be held once in two years leaving those years in which the Olympic Games and Asian Games are scheduled to be held, depending upon the situation in country. Only in exceptional cases or natural calamity, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) can allow relaxation from the general rule. The duration and the regulation of the National Games is entirely within the jurisdiction of POA.[4]
The games are jointly organised by the Pakistan Sports Board, the Pakistan Olympic Association, and the provincial government of the host city.
Editions
Sports
In 2019, over 12,000 athletes participated in 31 different sports in 33rd edition of National games held in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[5][6]
References
- Arvind Katyal (1 August 2001). "Decision on National Games on Aug 2". Tribune India. Retrieved 4 December 2007.
- "Punjab the Spirit of Sports". Tribune India. 18 November 2001.
- "Pakistan Sports Board, Islamabad". www.sports.gov.pk. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- Pakistan Olympic Association. poa.org.pk.
- "Peshawar ready to host 33rd National Games: Atif Khan". The Nation. 22 May 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- "National Games 2019". nationalgames2019.pk. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
External links
- Official website
- Sports webpage at Pakistani Government website
