Punjab to launch first Sports City in 2027 as CM Maryam expands Pink Games province-wide

• Punjab CM opens Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026, saying Punjab Pink Games to reach tehsil, later union council level
• Announces Rs20m prize money, special facilities for women athletes as 3,400 female players compete in Pink Games after tehsil-level qualifiers
• 2026 declared ‘Year of Youth’ as Punjab revives sports culture with 184 sports projects underway, astro-turf hockey stadiums planned in all districts

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced the launch of the province’s first-ever Sports City in 2027 and declared that the Khelta Punjab Pink Games will be expanded to the tehsil level across Punjab, with further plans to take the initiative down to the union council level in the future. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026 at the Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex, the chief minister announced Rs20 million in prize money for women athletes and directed the authorities to ensure special arrangements for their care, accommodation and meals.

کوئی آپ کو یہ نہ کہے کہ عورت یہ کام نہیں کر سکتی۔ آپ کی بیٹیاں ملک بھی چلا سکتی ہیں۔ صوبہ بھی چلا سکتی ہیں۔ پارلیمنٹ اور وزارت بھی سنبھال سکتی ہیں۔ پولیس فورس اور کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم محکمہ بھی چلا سکتی ہیں۔ عورت معیشت سنبھال سکتی ہے۔ جہاز اڑا سکتی ہے۔ صنعت اور کاروبار چلا سکتی ہے۔… pic.twitter.com/QgQt0ukcSo

— Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) February 11, 2026

She hailed female athletes as the “Super Daughters of Super Punjab” and lauded Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar, the secretary, DG Sports, and the entire organizing team for successfully hosting the event. Maryam Nawaz said women were fully capable of leading a country, a province, and key institutions. “A woman can fight a war, fly an aircraft, and serve as chief minister — and can give men tough competition,” she remarked, stressing that merit and talent know no gender.

The Punjab-wide Pink Games have officially been launched today! Talented and determined girls from across the province are coming together to showcase their talent, skills and passion. Go forth with confidence, Girls, and conquer new heights. The world is yours to claim. I stand… pic.twitter.com/sJu1IRp1Pm

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 11, 2026

Encouraging young girls to pursue their ambitions, she said, “The land is yours, the sky is yours — move forward and prove yourselves.” She noted that women were excelling in all fields, including boxing, cricket, football, swimming, and athletics, working shoulder to shoulder with men while also managing responsibilities at home. The chief minister said more than 3,000 athletes from across Punjab were participating in the Pink Games after qualifying at the tehsil level, adding that the event would be expanded further to the union council level in the coming years. Highlighting the government’s commitment to youth and sports development, she said practical steps were being taken to revive sports grounds and promote healthy activities by steering young people away from mobile screens and towards playing fields. She added that Punjab possessed immense sporting talent and confirmed that construction work on the Sports City would begin this year. Declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth,” Maryam Nawaz said it was her responsibility to provide opportunities for happiness and progress to the people of Punjab. “You dream, and it is my job to help fulfil those dreams,” she told the participants. Urging young girls not to lose hope during difficult times, she said, “Your mother will not let you fall,” emphasizing that women should be seen as strong and resilient, not weak. She noted that more than 60 percent of beneficiaries under the Honhaar Scholarship Programme are girls. Reiterating the government’s commitment to athletes’ welfare and women’s protection, the chief minister said Punjab’s daughters were making the province proud in every field. 3,400 WOMEN ATHLETES PARTICIPATE IN ‘KHELTA PUNJAB PINK GAMES 2026’ A total of 3,400 women athletes participated in the Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026, inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at the Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex. The chief minister received a warm and enthusiastic welcome upon her arrival, with the stadium resonating with drumbeats and spirited slogans. She visited each pavilion to personally encourage and appreciate the participating athletes. An athlete from each division carried the Pink Games torch, completed a lap of the stadium, and jointly lit the ceremonial flame. Olympian Faiza Riaz led the traditional march past, while contingents of women athletes from all divisions took part in a colorful parade. Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Khokhar said that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, sports activities were being expanded to the tehsil level, adding that monthly stipends were being provided to female athletes. He highlighted Punjab’s strong performance in national competitions, noting that the province secured first position with 126 medals in the Punjab National Games and 173 medals in the Quaid-e-Azam Games. He further announced that 184 sports projects were being completed across Punjab within one year and that synthetic astro-turf hockey stadiums would be constructed in every district to promote the sport. The ceremony was attended by provincial ministers, members of the provincial assembly, veteran athletes, and a large number of young girls.