A total of 3,400 women athletes participate in the Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026, inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex.
Upon her arrival at the stadium, the chief minister receives an enthusiastic welcome from the athletes, with the venue echoing with drumbeats and spirited slogans. She visits each pavilion across the stadium to personally encourage and appreciate the participating players.
An athlete from each division carries the Pink Games torch, completes a lap of the stadium and jointly lights the ceremonial flame. Olympian athlete Faiza Riaz leads the traditional march past, while contingents of women athletes from every division take part in a vibrant parade. Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar says that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, sports activities are being expanded to the tehsil level. He adds that female athletes are being provided monthly stipends.
He highlights that Punjab secures first position by winning 126 medals in the Punjab National Games and 173 medals in the Quaid-e-Azam Games. He further announces that 184 sports projects are being completed across Punjab within one year and that synthetic astro-turf hockey stadiums will be constructed in every district to promote the sport. The ceremony is attended by provincial ministers, members of the assembly, veteran athletes and a large number of young girls.