In a landmark announcement for women's sports in Pakistan, the Punjab government has revealed plans to host the largest female athletic event in the province's history. The Khelta Punjab Pink Games, set for February 2026, will see unprecedented participation from thousands of young sportswomen.
Minister Announces Historic Sporting Initiative
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar made the significant declaration during a meeting held at Lahore's National Hockey Stadium. He confirmed that the mega event, scheduled to run from February 11 to 15, 2026, will feature the participation of more than 3,000 female athletes. This initiative marks a major stride in promoting and institutionalizing women's sports across the region.
Event Structure and Key Details
The Games have been meticulously planned to foster competitive spirit and discover new talent. Competitions will be held across 20 different sports disciplines, providing a wide platform for athletes to showcase their skills. A key feature of the event is the focus on youth, with U-21 players competing in inter-division events.
Minister Khokhar issued clear directives to officials to ensure the selection process is fair and transparent. He emphasized that open trials at all divisional headquarters must be conducted on merit, leaving no room for partiality. This system aims to select the most talented teams to represent their divisions in the provincial showdown.
A Commitment to Equality and Future Vision
Highlighting the core philosophy behind the event, the Sports Minister stated that providing equal opportunities for female athletes remains a top priority for the Punjab Sports Department. He reinforced the government's commitment to leveling the playing field and creating a supportive ecosystem for women in sports.
Looking beyond the 2026 Games, Khokhar announced that this is not a one-off event. The department plans to organize similar competitive events across the province in the future, ensuring a sustained pipeline for talent development and competitive exposure for Pakistan's female athletes. The Khelta Punjab Pink Games is poised to become a cornerstone in the province's sporting calendar.
