LAHORE: Announcing the holding of the first National Youth Games next year, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan announced to start a “Talent Hunt Programme” for 23 games. Talking to media at the conclusion of the 13th Inter-School Gymnastics Championship in Lahore, Rana Mashhood said that a healthy atmosphere is essential for the promotion of games. Rana Mashhood said that he himself is present here to encourage the organizations that extended their support for the event. He added that new talent will be discovered through the Talent Hunt programme. On the other hand, showing exceptional performance, Punjab contingent wrapped up 35th National Games in Karachi with 126 medals including 16 gold medals, 38 silver and 72 bronze. Punjab secured first position among all provinces and left many departments including HEC, PAF, Police and Railways behind in the medals race. Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar congratulated Punjab’s all players and officials for scripting marvellous medal winning performance in the grand National Games event organized at Karachi from December 6 to 13, 2025. He said that Punjab contingent demonstrated excellent performance under the leadership of Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry. “The glorious medal winning performance of Punjab athletes is the result of hard work and professional training of Punjab coaches during the 12-day training camps held at Nishtar Park Sports Complex,” he said, adding: “Punjab’s several athletes who received scholarships from the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund also fetched various medals in their respective sports disciplines. Punjab’s excellent performance in the 35th National Games is a source of pride for the entire nation.” The minister for Sports and Youth Affairs said that Punjab’s all male and female athletes have shown exceptional skills throughout the National Games. “The Punjab government is providing the best facilities and modern training to the players. The splendid medal winning performance of Punjab athletes is the proof of the right direction of provincial sports policy,” he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025