History and Winners of Previous National Games
The National Games of Pakistan, formerly known as the National Championships, have a rich history dating back to 1948. The Games aim to promote sports development, unity, and healthy competition among provinces and regions.
Early Years (1948-1974)
- The first National Games were held in Karachi in 1948, with only 15 teams participating.
- Initially, the Games were dominated by Punjab and Sindh provinces.
Introduction of New Disciplines (1975-1999)
- The 1975 Games in Lahore introduced new sports like hockey, football, and athletics.
- Balochistan and North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) started making their mark.
Modern Era (2000-2019)
- The 2001 Games in Islamabad saw the introduction of women’s events.
- Punjab continued its dominance, while other provinces improved their performance.
Recent Years (2020-present)
- The 2022 Games in Peshawar featured 32 sports and over 10,000 athletes.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emerged as a strong contender, challenging Punjab’s dominance.
Winners of Previous National Games
- 2019: Punjab (1st), Sindh (2nd), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (3rd)
- 2017: Punjab (1st), Sindh (2nd), Balochistan (3rd)
- 2015: Punjab (1st), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2nd), Sindh (3rd)
- 2013: Punjab (1st), Sindh (2nd), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (3rd)
Notable Athletes
- Rahat Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): Record-breaking athlete in the 100m and 200m events.
- Najma Parveen (Punjab): Dominant force in women’s athletics.
- Mohammad Boota (Sindh): Star performer in wrestling.