Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari inaugurated the 35th National Games during a vibrant opening ceremony at Karachi’s National Stadium on Saturday.

Teams from Islamabad and various national institutions took part in an impressive march-past as the ceremony formally commenced Pakistan’s largest multi-sport event.

More than 11,000 male and female athletes from across the country will compete in different disciplines.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomed participants from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan and other regions.

He said children attending the event today would be the ones bringing medals home for Pakistan in the future. He added that he was pleased to see the National Games return to Sindh.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said it was a matter of pride that the National Games were being hosted in Karachi after a gap of two decades.

He noted that the event represents unity among all provinces and regions, adding that Sindh was honoured to host athletes from across the country.

The ceremony was attended by Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, provincial ministers, members of the Sindh Assembly, the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association, officials, athletes and a large number of distinguished guests.

The 35th National Games at the National Stadium will continue until December 13.