Pakistan Army takes top spot with 353 medals as National Games closing ceremony held in Karachi

The closing ceremony of the National Games was held in Karachi on Friday, with Pakistan Army taking home the highest number of medals.

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was also attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Pakistan Army came in first, taking home 353 medals, out of which 200 were gold, 97 were silver and 56 were bronze.

Wapda came in second with 232 medals, out of which 85 were gold, 73 were silver and 74 were bronze.

Pakistan Navy came in third with 110 medals, 36 of which were gold, 39 were silver and 35 were bronze.

Hosts Sindh finished with 96 medals, out of which 11 were gold, 26 were silver and 59 were bronze.

Addressing the ceremony, Bilawal said, “These National Games were not merely a competition of speed, strength or skill; they were a celebration of Pakistan itself.

“From Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, from Khyber to Karachi, from Lahore to Larkana, every athlete who competed here carried the colours of their province but stood united under one flag,” he said.

He said that Sindh was “proud” to have hosted the sporting event.

“To our athletes, you are the pride of Pakistan. Whether you return home with medals or memories, you return as ambassadors; ambassadors of discipline, perseverance and national unity.

“You have shown us what Pakistan’s youth can achieve when given the opportunity and encouragement,” he said.