National Games

The First Pakistan National Games were organized during the 3^rd week of April, 1948 in Karachi. The Games were inaugurated by the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah who at that time was seriously ill, and his personal physician advised him not to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Games. He however not only participated in the Opening Ceremony, but later along with his sister Miss Fatima Jinnah awarded prizes to all the medal winners and declared the Games closed. Only four Provincial Teams participated in the Games as at that time no department was affiliated with the POA. The Games were attended by thousands of spectators. The first over-all trophy of the National Games was won by the Punjab Province. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah announced that a beautiful trophy be arranged for future Games and be handed over to the over-all winner as “Quaid-e-Azam Trophy”. The tradition is kept alive till to date.
 

Message of the Father of the Nation (Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah)
at the First Pakistan Olympic Games held in Karachi in 1948

For sound minds we should have sound bodies and that is why nations the world over attach so much importance to bodybuilding and physical culture. The First Pakistan Olympic Games should act as an incentive to all Pakistan nationals to emulate the Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” i.e. “Faster, Higher and Stronger”. I wish the organizers of the games and all competitors the best of luck. Build up Pakistan higher, firmer and stronger.