Pak-China Friendship Games 2026 Inaugurated in Lahore

LAHORE — Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar and Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan jointly inaugurated the Pak-China Friendship Games 2026 at a colourful ceremony held at the Gymnasium Hall of Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Thursday.
The two dignitaries unveiled the tournament trophy, while the Punjab sports minister administered the oath to the participating athletes.
The ceremony was attended by Sports Board Punjab Vice Chairman Salman Malik, Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, Additional Secretary Shabbir Hussain Cheema, senior officials and sports personalities.
Officials Highlight Bilateral Friendship and Sports Cooperation
Addressing the ceremony, Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar described the occasion as historic, saying the Punjab Sports and Youth Affairs Department was hosting the event to mark 75 years of friendship between Pakistan and China, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.He said more than 2,000 male and female athletes from across Pakistan were participating in the games.
Khokhar said Pakistan and China had consistently regarded each other as brothers and described their friendship as being “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans.” He said the relationship had endured challenges and was founded on trust, mutual respect and cooperation.
Welcoming athletes from across the country to Lahore, he also referred to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as an example of cooperation between the two countries.
The minister said around 70,000 athletes had appeared in trials for the games, which he said reflected the interest of young people in the event. He added that Lahore was using the occasion to convey a message of continued friendship through sports.
Khokhar further said Punjab was leading among the provinces in sports and that the provincial government was undertaking initiatives to promote sporting activities and create opportunities for young athletes.

Chinese Consul General Emphasises Mutual Respect and Trust
Speaking at the event, Chinese Consul General Sun Yan called the games an important initiative and a manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship. He wished the participating athletes and organisers success and congratulated the Punjab Sports and Youth Affairs Department on arranging the event.
Sun Yan also thanked the Punjab government for its hospitality towards Chinese people.He said Pakistan and China had maintained close relations for decades and had cooperated in areas including trade, the economy, culture, education, security and defence. He cited CPEC as an example of cooperation between the two countries.
The consul general said Pakistan-China relations were based on mutual respect, trust and support. He also referred to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent discussions with Chinese leadership on agriculture, industry and technology.
Sun Yan expressed hope that cooperation in sports would further strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries. He concluded by saying, “Long live Pak-China friendship.”

 Sports Officials Call for Exchange Programmes
Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman said there was considerable scope for cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in sports.He proposed that the two countries arrange exchange programmes and training opportunities for coaches and athletes, saying such initiatives could prove beneficial for both sides.
The ceremony featured cultural performances representing different regions and provinces of Pakistan, adding to the festive atmosphere.
At the conclusion of the event, souvenirs were presented to Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Chinese Consul General Sun Yan, Sports Board Punjab Vice Chairman Salman Malik, Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman and Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi.