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Press Release - National Games Torch for the 34th National Games 2023 Back To Main

Dear Media Friends,

I am pleased to inform you that the National Games Torch for the 34th National Games 2023 was kindled at Quaid-e-Azam Mazar in Karachi during a colorful ceremony held on May 6th, 2023. It was a momentous occasion for all those who attended, and the beginning of a journey that will inspire and unite the nation.

The Torch was officially handed over to Mr. Babar Yousafzai and Mr. Durra Baloch of the Government of Balochistan by Mr. Muhammad Jahangir, Deputy Secretary General POA, signifying the start of the Torch Relay. Mr. Ahmed Ali Rajput, Secretary General of the Sindh Olympic Association, received the Torch from the Government of Balochistan and handed it over to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Sindh, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput. The Torch was then carried by Mr. Islahuddin Siddiqui, an Olympian Hockey player, and other international athletes at Quaid-e-Azam Mazar in accordance with the traditions of the Olympic Games.

The Torch was then transported to Iqra University, Karachi, where it was received by Dr. Wasim Qazi, Vice Chancellor/President of Iqra University, during a ceremony. Mr. Saeed Ghani, Minister for Information, Labor & Human Resources, Government of Sindh, was the Chief Guest at the event.

After the ceremony at Iqra University, the Torch was transported to Sir Syed University, Karachi, where it was handed over to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin, during another ceremony. Dr. Syed Saif Ur Rehman, Administrator of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, was the chief guest.

The Torch will now be carried by the representative of the Government of Balochistan for onward carriage to Peshawar, where the KP Olympic Association will host the next leg of the Torch Relay.

We wish the KP Olympic Association all the best for the success of the event in Peshawar. The Torch Relay will create harmony and friendship among the provinces and the country, as people from different parts of Pakistan come together to celebrate the National Games. It will transmit a message of peace and friendship along its route and showcase Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and diversity, highlighting the importance of sports in promoting unity and harmony.

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood
Secretary General
Pakistan Olympic Association