The Pakistan Day Sports Festival, organised by the Balochistan government’s sports department, is underway across the province with various competitions, including futsal, wushu, and basketball tournaments.

The futsal tournament was inaugurated at QDA Ground in Satellite Town, Quetta, with Pakistan Peoples Party leader and Parliamentary Secretary Liaquat Ali Lehri as the chief guest.

Basketball matches kicked off at the Pakistan Sports Board Quetta Center, inaugurated by Balochistan Olympic Association General Secretary Sher Mohammad Tareen, while wushu competitions are ongoing at Ayub Sports Complex’s Martial Arts Gymnasium.

Six teams from Quetta are participating in the basketball tournament, while 35 athletes are competing in wushu across seven weight categories.

The futsal tournament’s opening ceremony saw a large turnout, including organising committee members Abdul Baqi and Mohammad Sadiq, alongside enthusiastic spectators. The chief guest also met with the athletes during the event.

Speaking to sports journalists, Liaquat Ali Lehri welcomed the festival’s organisation in connection with Pakistan Day, emphasising that it provides valuable opportunities for athletes.

He highlighted the Balochistan government’s commitment to promoting sports and announced plans to install artificial grass at QDA Ground in the next fiscal year under the PSD initiative. Despite security concerns, the strong turnout of spectators is encouraging, Lehri noted.

He stressed the importance of engaging youth in sports to steer them away from drugs and contribute to the province and country’s pride. He further pledged the construction of more sports facilities for young athletes.

The futsal tournament will continue until March 22, while the wushu finals will be held today at the Ayub Sports Complex Martial Arts Gymnasium.