Sports gala opens amid emphasis on girls’ development

Islamabad: Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui inaugurated a three-day ‘Girls Sports Carnival’ at the Pakistan Sports Complex here on Friday, emphasising the critical role of sports in the girls’ development.

“These young girls are breaking barriers, not just in sports but in all walks of life. They are a reflection of our national progress, demonstrating that with the right support and encouragement, there’s no limit to what they can achieve,” he said.

The minister said when girls did well in sports, it’s not just about winning a game — it’s about building confidence, discipline and leadership skills. He said his ministry was committed to promoting a culture of fitness and health among girls through sports activities.

“Such carnivals ensure continued opportunities for young girls. We need to keep creating spaces where our daughters can thrive. They are our future and it is our duty to support their ambitions, whether in the classroom, the boardroom or on the field,” he said.

The event is organised by the education ministry in collaboration with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education and Federal Directorate of Education, with around 4,000 female athletes participating in it from all over the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan as both individuals and teams.

The ministry's officials said the gala aimed to empower young girls through sports, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their athletic talents across a range of sport disciplines, including athletics, basketball, football, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and tennis.

They said an award ceremony would be held on the final day of the event to celebrate the achievements of young athletes, encouraging more girls to participate in sports and exhibit their skills and talent. The officials said the ministry was committed to empowering girls through sports and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

They said the festival would enhance sports participation among girls and motivate them to engage in physical activities, provide a platform to them to demonstrate their talents and skills, cultivate a spirit of competition and teamwork among them, and promote national unity.