KARACHI: The 35th National Games wrapped up in Karachi today with a vibrant closing ceremony, as Pakistan Army topped the medal tally.
As per the details, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended as the chief guest while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with Sindh Chief Minister and Sports Minister were present to watch the grand finale.
Bilawal presented Field Marshal Munir with a Sindhi cap and ajrak, a symbol of the province’s pride in hosting the national sports event.
Thankful to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, for gracing the closing ceremony of the National Games as Chief Guest. Heartiest congratulations to all the athletes who showcased the strength, unity and talent of our youth. pic.twitter.com/itpAejOYlU
— Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 13, 2025
Pakistan Army secured the first position with 353 medals, including 200 gold, 97 silver and 56 bronze. WAPDA came second with 232 medals – 85 gold, 73 silver and 74 bronze – while Pakistan Navy secured the third position with 110 medals, including 36 gold, 39 silver and 35 bronze. Host province Sindh finished sixth with 96 medals, including 11 gold, 26 silver and 59 bronze.
In addition, Punjab won 126 medals, including 16 gold, 38 silver and 72 bronze, while the Higher Education Commission (HEC) won 108 medals, including 14 gold, 38 silver and 56 bronze. Pakistan Police won the best performance trophy, while swimmer Hamza Asif Kot was awarded for setting national records in the 50-meter freestyle and breaststroke events.
After the Pakistan Army distributed the trophies to the top three teams that won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, WAPDA the runner-up trophy and Pakistan Navy the President of Pakistan Olympic Association Trophy, Field Marshal Munir officially declared the Games closed.
Addressing the event, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted that the National Games “are not just a competition of speed, strength or skill, but a celebration of Pakistan itself.” He highlighted that athletes from across the country, from Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar and Khyber to Karachi, represented their provinces but competed under one flag.
Hailing the athletes as “ambassadors of discipline, perseverance and national unity,” Bilawal said that sports instill teamwork, courage, respect for the rules and resilience — important values for the nation.
Touching on the May conflict with India, he praised the professionalism and coordination of the armed forces, saying, “Pakistan emerged victorious by defending its sovereignty and upholding its honour. This victory reflects the unity of our people and the discipline of our forces.”
He added that as the National Games draw to a close, may the friendship, lessons and unity shown here continue to strengthen our federation.
It is pertinent to mention that earlier National athlete Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the javelin throw event.
