Peshawar, The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U-23 Inter-Regional Games officially opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Hayatabad Sports Complex in Peshawar on Tuesday, signaling the start of extensive athletic competitions across the province. Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the event which features over 1800 male and female athletes competing in 20 different sports.
According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the opening ceremony showcased traditional dance performances, a march past by the athletes, and a spectacular fireworks display. The Games include a wide range of sports with 1078 male and 770 female athletes participating. Men’s events include squash, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, hockey, taekwondo, cricket, karate, athletics, and throwball, while women’s events feature volleyball, badminton, table tennis, judo, hockey, cricket, athletics, taekwondo, and squash.
Competitions for women are taking place at the Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex, Charsadda, and various locations in Peshawar, while the men’s competitions are hosted at the Hayatabad Sports Complex, Peshawar Sports Complex, Kohat Sports Complex, and Peshawar University. The Games are scheduled to continue until May 30.
During his address, Chief Minister Gandapur highlighted the significance of the Games in providing a platform for young athletes to prepare for future inter-provincial competitions. He praised the youth’s support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf and its leader Imran Khan, and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to youth welfare. Additionally, the Chief Minister emphasized the role of sports in developing attributes such as endurance, courage, and competitive spirit among the youth.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to voice support for global and regional issues, reaffirming the province’s solidarity with oppressed communities including Palestinians and Kashmiris. He announced an additional Rs 50 lakh in rewards for outstanding athletes, which will be on top of the prize money from the Sports Department. Prior to the ceremony, he also inaugurated an upgraded cricket stadium at the Hayatabad Sports Complex.