While the numbers speak for themselves, one cannot ignore that, year after year, Army athletes dominate because they have structure and long-term investment on their side. Civilian and provincial teams, despite talent, are left playing catch-up. It goes to show that support and funding goes a long way in the sporting arena. But the National Games are about more than medals. They offer a platform to nurture talent.
For young athletes, the Games provide exposure and a rare chance to compete at a high level. Departments like WAPDA and Navy benefit too, testing coaching strategies and talent pipelines in a competitive arena. Grassroots sports, often overlooked, find a spotlight here. The Games demonstrate that Pakistan’s athletic potential is broad and deep. Several performers who first caught the national spotlight at the Games have gone on to shine internationally.
Arshad Nadeem began making waves in domestic competitions before winning medals at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships. Similarly, sprinters like Najma Parveen and wrestlers such as Talha Talib first made their mark at the National Games before representing Pakistan on the world stage. Even in weightlifting and shooting, athletes like Muhammad Khalil Akhtar have transitioned from national success to international competition, proving that the Games are a launchpad for global performance.
The National Games have historically highlighted the country’s best. But there is always room for improvement in terms of funding and facilities. A vision to transform these Games into an engine for systematic talent development could change the trajectory of Pakistani sport.