Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announces the launch of the province’s first Sports City in 2027 and declares that Pink Games will be expanded to the tehsil level across Punjab.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026 at Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex the chief minister announces Rs 20 million in prize money for Pink Games athletes and directs authorities to ensure special arrangements for the care, accommodation and meals of women players.
She terms female athletes the “Super Daughters of Super Punjab” and appreciates Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar, the secretary, DG Sports and the entire team for successfully organizing the event.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif says women are capable of leading a country, a province and ministries. “A woman can fight a war, fly an aircraft and serve as chief minister – and can give men tough competition,” she remarks. She emphasizes that merit and talent have no gender.
Encouraging young girls, she says, “The land is yours, the sky is yours – move forward and prove yourselves” She adds that women are excelling in every field, including boxing, cricket, football, swimming and athletics, and are working shoulder to shoulder with men while also fulfilling responsibilities at home.
More than 3,000 athletes from across Punjab participate in the Pink Games after qualifying at the tehsil level. The chief minister announces that the games will further be expanded to the union council level in the future.
She states that the government is taking practical steps to revive sports grounds and promote healthy activities among youth, moving children away from mobile screens and into playing fields. She adds that Punjab has immense talent and that construction work on the Sports City begins this year.
Declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth,” the chief minister says providing opportunities of happiness and progress to the people of Punjab is her responsibility. “You dream, and it is my job to help fulfil those dreams,” she tells the participants.
She urges young girls not to lose heart in difficult times. “Your mother will not let you fall,” she says, adding that women should not be considered weak, but strong and resilient. She notes that in the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, more than 60 percent of beneficiaries are girls.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif reiterates that the government ensures maximum facilities for athletes and continues to take measures for women’s protection. She says Punjab’s daughters are making the province proud in every field.