LAHORE: Basant festival will be celebrated in a befitting manner at the Punjab Stadium on February 7. During this festival, a musical night will be conducted and eye-catching fireworks show will be presented to amuse the large gathering. Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that more than 50 colourful stalls will be installed at Punjab Stadium during Basant Festival. He instructed to make special arrangements for families in this festival. “Punjab Stadium will be made a hub for sports and cultural activities during Basant Festival,” he said. Over 3000 female players will participate in 20 different sports disciplines in the women’s biggest sports event - Khelta Punjab Pink Games which are scheduled to be organized from February 11 to 15, 2026, the minister said. He further said that Under-21 female players will participate in inter-division competitions during Khelta Punjab Pink Games. He directed to conduct transparent and merit-based open trials in all divisional headquarters for the selection of participating women teams. Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that providing equal opportunities to women athletes is top priority of Punjab Sports Department. “Punjab Sports Department will continue to organize competitive sports events for female athletes of the province in future as well,” he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026