Khelta Punjab CM Punjab Pink Games 2026 | How To Apply

When 3,400 female athletes from nine divisions converged at Lahore’s Nishtar Park Sports Complex in February 2026, they didn’t just compete—they shattered decades-old barriers in Pakistan’s sports landscape. The Khelta Punjab CM Punjab Pink Games 2026 represents the largest women-exclusive sporting event ever organized in the province, fundamentally transforming how Punjab identifies, nurtures, and celebrates its female athletic talent. This definitive guide provides comprehensive information about the games—from understanding the initiative and eligibility requirements to navigating the application process, exploring all 16 sports disciplines, analyzing prize money structures, and examining future expansion plans.

Key Takeaways

• Record-Breaking Scale: More than 3,400 female athletes participated in the 2026 edition, making it the largest women’s sports gathering in Punjab’s history with representation from all nine administrative divisions.
• Substantial Financial Commitment: Winners shared an immediate prize pool of Rs 7 million distributed at the closing ceremony, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced an additional Rs 20 million for top-performing athletes.
• Long-Term Support Structure: Medalists qualify for monthly scholarships through the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund, with platinum category athletes receiving Rs 100,000 monthly—ensuring sustained financial support beyond one-time prizes.
• Merit-Based Selection: Mandatory divisional trials conducted under strict supervision ensure only genuinely talented grassroots athletes qualify, with a non-departmental policy excluding professional players.
• Strategic Expansion Plans: The games will expand to tehsil and union council levels, and Punjab’s first Sports City will launch in 2027—signaling long-term commitment to sports infrastructure.

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Khelta Punjab CM Punjab Pink Games | How To Apply

Understanding the Khelta Punjab CM Punjab Pink Games

The Khelta Punjab CM Punjab Pink Games 2026 stands as a flagship women-focused sports initiative demonstrating the Government of Punjab’s strongest commitment to female empowerment through athletics. This section explains what the games represent, who leads them, and their historical evolution.

Defining the Pink Games Concept

The term “Pink Games” specifically denotes sporting competitions designed exclusively for women and girls. Unlike conventional multi-sport events that include both genders, the Pink Games create a protected, encouraging environment where female athletes can compete without societal or cultural constraints. The pink branding strategically symbolizes both femininity and strength, reinforcing the powerful message that women belong in every arena—including sports traditionally dominated by men such as boxing, weightlifting, and rugby.

Official Inauguration and Leadership

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026 on February 11 at Punjab Stadium within the Nishtar Park Sports Complex. The ceremony featured symbolic elements that captured the event’s spirit:

• Athletes from each of Punjab’s nine divisions carried the Pink Games torch
• Participants completed a stadium lap and jointly lit the ceremonial flame
• Olympian Faiza Riaz led the traditional march past
• Contingents from all divisions presented a vibrant parade

The chief minister described participating athletes as the “Super Daughters of Super Punjab,” emphasizing that women can excel in every field and that merit has no gender.

Organizing Bodies and Key Personnel

The Youth Affairs and Sports Department Punjab, operating through the Punjab Sports Board, served as the primary organizing authority. Key figures responsible for successful execution include:

Government Leadership:

• Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar
• Secretary Sports Punjab Muhammad Ali
• Director General Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry
• Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum

Supporting Officials:

• Divisional Sports Officers across all nine divisions
• District Sports Officers managing local trials
• Sports association representatives for each discipline

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Venue Infrastructure

All competitions took place at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex in Lahore, Pakistan’s largest and most comprehensive sports facility. Specific venues within the complex included:

Historical Evolution and Growth

The Pink Games debuted in 2024 with over 1,250 players and officials from universities across Punjab. The 2026 edition represents a quantum leap in scale and ambition:

2024 Edition:

• 1,250+ participants
• University-level focus only
• Limited geographic representation
• Pilot phase testing concept viability

2026 Edition:

• 3,400+ athletes and officials
• Inter-division competitions
• Participants from all nine divisions
• Comprehensive sports program with 16 disciplines
• Tehsil-level qualification structure

Connection to Year of Youth Initiative

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared 2026 as the “Year of Youth” in Punjab, creating a framework encompassing multiple programs aimed at youth development. The Pink Games serve as a cornerstone event within this broader initiative, which includes:

• Expanded sports activities across the province
• Skills development programs for young people
• Educational scholarships through Honhaar Scholarship Programme
• Increased sports infrastructure investment
• Revival of playing grounds to shift children from mobile screens to physical activity

Complete Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Understanding the eligibility requirements and application procedure is essential for any athlete aspiring to participate in future Pink Games editions. The selection process follows strict, transparent guidelines designed to identify genuine grassroots talent.

Age Limit Requirements

A clear age restriction applies to all participants. Athletes must be Under-21, meaning born on or after January 1, 2006. This age limit ensures the games focus on developing young talent rather than established senior athletes who have already had competitive opportunities.

For the special Pink Swimming Championship, a separate Under-16 category exists, allowing younger athletes to gain early exposure to competitive swimming through open registration.

Residency Requirements

Athletes must demonstrate permanent residency in the division they represent. The residency verification process requires official documentation proving connection to specific districts within each division. For example, athletes representing Lahore Division must belong to its constituent districts:

Lahore Division Districts:

• Lahore
• Kasur
• Sheikhupura
• Nankana Sahib

Similar district compositions apply to all nine divisions: Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and DG Khan.

Non-Departmental Policy and Ineligible Categories

The organizers enforce a strict non-departmental policy to ensure the Pink Games remain focused on grassroots talent rather than already-established athletes. Ineligible categories include:

• Professional players employed by government departments
• Athletes contracted with sports organizations
• Stipend holders from departmental sports programs
• Athletes who have represented national teams in international competitions

This policy prevents departmental players from dominating competitions that should serve as platforms for discovering new talent.

Required Documentation for Trials

Participants must bring original documents for age and identity verification. The documentation requirements include:

For Athletes 18 and Above:

• Original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
• Attested Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
• Domicile certificate proving divisional residency
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• School or college ID (if applicable)

For Athletes Under 18:

• Original B-Form
• Attested Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
• Domicile certificate
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• School ID card

Two-Track Registration Process

The Punjab Sports Board offers two methods for athlete registration, ensuring accessibility for candidates from all backgrounds.

Online Registration Method:

• Visit the official Khelta Punjab Portal when registration opens
• Scan official QR codes provided on Sports Board Punjab’s social media channels
• Complete the online registration form with personal and sporting details
• Upload scanned copies of required documents
• Receive confirmation and trial assignment via SMS or email

Offline Registration Method:

• Contact your local Tehsil Sports Officer
• Visit the District Sports Office in your district headquarters
• Approach the Divisional Sports Officer for your division
• Complete manual registration forms with assistance from officials
• Submit photocopies of required documents for verification

Registration is completely free at all stages—from initial application through trials to participation in the main event. No fees are charged at any point.

Mandatory Trial Process

Trials are absolutely mandatory for all athletes. No competitor can participate in the main Pink Games without clearing divisional-level trials. This merit-based system ensures only the most talented athletes represent their divisions at the provincial level.

The trial process follows a structured timeline:

Phase 1: Announcement

• Sports Board Punjab publishes trial schedules division-wise
• Dates and venues announced through official channels and local media
• Registration deadlines clearly communicated

Phase 2: Registration

• Athletes register before specified deadlines
• Documentation verified at registration points
• Trial assignments generated

Phase 3: Divisional Trials

• Trials conducted at designated venues in each division
• Qualified coaches and technical officials supervise
• Performance evaluated against standardized criteria
• Results recorded and verified

Phase 4: Team Formation

• Selection committees form divisional teams based strictly on merit
• Selected athlete lists published
• Appeals process available for genuine grievances

Phase 5: Provincial Event

• Selected athletes receive training and preparation guidance
• Teams travel to Lahore for main competition
• Athletes compete for divisional honors

Trial Transparency Measures

The Punjab Sports Board implements multiple transparency measures to ensure fair selection:

• Supervision by qualified coaches and technical officials
• Presence of District Sports Officers during all trials
• Clear eligibility verification before participation
• Published results and selected team lists
• Multiple focal persons monitoring each sport
• Standardized evaluation criteria across divisions

Example: Lahore Division Weightlifting Trials

The Lahore Division weightlifting trials exemplify the professional approach applied across all sports:

• Date: January 20, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Venue: Elite Training Center, Nishtar Park Sports Complex
• Location: Adjacent to Gymnasium Hall
• Supervision: Punjab Sports Board officials and District Sports Officer
• Eligibility Verification: Original CNIC/B-Form and FRC mandatory
• Contact: Mr. Tanveer Abbas, District Sports Officer Lahore

Example: Lahore Division Mas Wrestling Trials

Similarly, the mas wrestling trials demonstrated comprehensive athlete evaluation:

• Date: January 20, 2026
• Venue: Elite Training Center, Nishtar Park Sports Complex
• Participants: 25 athletes from Lahore, Kasur, and Sheikhupura
• Selection: 8 athletes selected for Lahore Division team
• Officiating: National Mas Wrestling Silver Medalist Abdullah Sohail Butt and Naila Maqsood Butt
• Supervision: Tariq Khanzada, Divisional Sports Officer Lahore

The selected squad included athletes across eight weight categories: Sundas Tanveer (40 kg), Khadija Saeed (45 kg), Kashaf Altaf (55 kg), Aliza Jawad (60 kg), Ayesha Rasheed (65 kg), Fiza Qadi (70 kg), Rahat Shams (+70 kg), and Sidra Riaz (81 kg).

Complete Sports Disciplines and Competition Structure

The 2026 Pink Games featured competitions across 16 core sports disciplines, with some divisions also participating in additional events.

Complete Sports Disciplines List

Additional Sports

Cricket was also included in the 2026 edition, with DG Sports Khizar Afzaal personally distributing prizes at cricket events. While cricket was not part of the original 16-discipline list, its inclusion signals potential expansion beyond core sports in future editions.

Cycling competitions were held, with Lahore Division girls demonstrating dominance by winning top positions in all four events.

Indoor Sports Facilities

Multiple indoor sports featured prominently at dedicated venues:

• Badminton and table tennis competitions at Gymnasium Hall
• Karate and taekwondo bouts at Elite Training Center
• Chess matches in indoor gaming areas
• Weightlifting competitions at indoor training facilities
• Basketball matches at indoor courts

Swimming Competition

A dedicated Pink Swimming Championship for U-16 girls was organized alongside the main games, with open registration allowing broader participation from younger athletes not yet eligible for the senior age category.

Padel Tennis Introduction

Padel tennis represents one of the new sports disciplines introduced in the Pink Games. This racquet sport combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller enclosed court. Its inclusion reflects the government’s effort to introduce modern, globally popular sports to Pakistani women and expose athletes to international-standard competition formats.

Complete Prize Money Structure and Athlete Benefits

Financial rewards for Pink Games athletes are substantial, reflecting the government’s commitment to valuing women’s sports performance and providing tangible recognition.

Total Prize Money Breakdown

Two separate prize pools were announced for the 2026 edition:

Immediate Prize Pool:

• Rs 7 million distributed at the closing ceremony
• Cash prizes awarded to winning teams and individual athletes
• Distribution across all 16 sports disciplines
• Presented by Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar

Special CM Announcement:

• Rs 20 million announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
• Designated for top-performing players
• Supplementary to regular prize money
• Reflects government’s special commitment to women’s sports

Sport-Wise Prize Distribution

The initial Rs 7 million prize pool was distributed across sports disciplines as follows:

Punjab Sports Endowment Fund Scholarships

Beyond one-time prize money, the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund provides monthly scholarships to top performers, ensuring sustained financial support for continued training and education:

Platinum Category:

• Monthly scholarship: Rs 100,000
• Awarded to exceptional performers
• Highest level of financial recognition

Gold Category:

• Monthly scholarship: Rs 75,000
• For gold medalists and outstanding athletes
• Substantial long-term support

Silver Category:

• Monthly scholarship: Rs 50,000
• For silver medalists and promising talent
• Foundation for continued development

Additional Athlete Facilities

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz specifically directed authorities to ensure comprehensive facilities for all participating athletes:

Accommodation:

• High-quality lodging for all outstation athletes
• Safe, secure environment
• Proximity to competition venues

Nutrition:

• Nutritious meals throughout competition period
• Dietary considerations for athletes
• Hydration facilities at all venues

Medical Support:

• Comprehensive medical facilities on-site
• Emergency response teams
• Physiotherapy and recovery services

Transportation:

• Safe transport between accommodation and venues
• Dedicated vehicles for teams
• Coordinated schedules

Support Staff:

• Professional care throughout competition
• Technical support for each sport
• Administrative assistance

Complete Results and Division Standings

The five-day competition concluded with clear winners across divisions and individual events, showcasing the depth of female athletic talent across Punjab.

Overall Division Standings

Lahore Division emerged as overall champions with an impressive medal haul of 35 total medals, including 25 gold. Faisalabad secured second position with 25 medals, while Multan finished third with 15 medals.

Weightlifting Competition Results

The weightlifting event featured 58 female lifters from eight divisions of Punjab, marking a significant milestone in promoting women’s strength sports. Detailed results by weight category:

Bahawalpur Division clinched the overall weightlifting title, with Gujranwala securing second position and Lahore finishing third. The event was inaugurated by former international weightlifter Rashid Nadeem Butt along with Secretary Punjab Weightlifting Association Aqeel Javed Butt.

Team Sports Finals Results

Hockey Final:

• Lahore 5-0 Bahawalpur
• Sharqa scored three goals
• Uswa Imran and Hira contributed one goal each
• Match played at National Hockey Stadium

Rugby Final:

• Bahawalpur 12-5 Lahore
• Muqadas Hussain starred for Bahawalpur
• Laiba Akram performed well for Lahore
• Match held at Punjab Stadium

Basketball Final:

• Lahore 37-5 Bahawalpur
• Lahore led 21-3 at halftime
• Soha Shahid scored 10 points for Lahore
• Amna Shakeel and Hadia contributed 8 points each

Volleyball Final:

• Faisalabad 2-0 Multan
• Convincing victory for Faisalabad
• Strong team performance

Cycling Events:

• Lahore Division girls dominated all four events
• Gold medals in every cycling competition
• Demonstrated depth in cycling talent

Major Announcements and Future Developments

The Pink Games served as a platform for significant policy announcements affecting Punjab’s entire sports landscape.

Expansion to Tehsil and Union Council Levels

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced immediate expansion of the Pink Games to tehsil levels across Punjab, with future editions further expanding to union council levels. This expansion creates a pyramid structure where athletes can qualify from their local areas through multiple competition tiers:

Future Qualification Pathway:

• Union Council Level Competitions
• Tehsil Level Championships
• District Level Trials
• Divisional Level Selection
• Provincial Pink Games

This structured pathway ensures talent identification at the most grassroots level, providing opportunities for girls in even the most remote areas of Punjab.

Punjab Sports City Project

The chief minister announced the launch of Punjab’s first Sports City, with construction beginning in 2027. This world-class facility will provide:

• International-standard training venues for multiple sports
• Residential accommodation for athletes in training
• Multiple sports facilities under one comprehensive complex
• Hosting capabilities for major international events
• Centralized training hub for Punjab athletes

Infrastructure Development Program

The Punjab government is completing 184 sports projects within one year, demonstrating unprecedented investment in sports infrastructure:

• Synthetic astro-turf hockey stadiums in every district
• Upgraded training facilities across all divisions
• New playgrounds and sports grounds in underserved areas
• Revitalized existing sports infrastructure
• Enhanced facilities at Nishtar Park Sports Complex

Ongoing Commitment to Women’s Sports

Speaking at the inauguration, the chief minister emphasized that providing opportunities for progress and happiness to Punjab’s people is her responsibility. She highlighted that more than 60 percent of beneficiaries of the Honhaar Scholarship Programme are girls, demonstrating the government’s sustained commitment to female empowerment across all sectors.

The identification of talented athletes through the Pink Games creates a pipeline for future international representation. Director General Sports Khizar Afzaal confirmed that several athletes identified through the games will receive training to win laurels for Pakistan in international competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Pink Games open to girls from all provinces of Pakistan?

No, participation is primarily for residents of Punjab’s nine divisions. The games are a Punjab government initiative focused on developing talent within the province. Athletes must provide domicile certificates proving permanent residency in Punjab divisions.

How many female athletes participated in the 2026 Pink Games?

Over 3,400 female athletes and officials participated, making it the largest women’s sports event in Punjab’s history. This represents a significant increase from the 2024 edition, which featured approximately 1,250 participants.

What scholarship amounts do medalists receive?

Medalists qualify for monthly scholarships through the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund:

• Platinum Category: Rs 100,000 per month
• Gold Category: Rs 75,000 per month
• Silver Category: Rs 50,000 per month

Is there an age limit for the Pink Games?

Yes, the primary category is Under-21, meaning athletes must be born on or after January 1, 2006. A separate Under-16 category exists specifically for the swimming competition, allowing younger athletes to participate.

How can athletes register for future Pink Games editions?

Registration opens through the official Khelta Punjab Portal and at local Tehsil, District, or Divisional Sports Offices when trials are announced. Registration is completely free at all stages. Athletes should monitor Punjab Sports Board official channels for announcements.

What documents are required for trial participation?

Required documents include:

• Original CNIC (for athletes 18 and above) or B-Form (for athletes under 18)
• Attested Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
• Domicile certificate proving divisional residency
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• School or college ID (if applicable)

Are professional players allowed to participate in the Pink Games?

No, a strict non-departmental policy excludes professional players, departmental stipend holders, and athletes who have represented national teams in international competitions. This ensures the games focus on discovering genuine grassroots talent.

Will there be Pink Games in 2027?

Yes, the games will continue annually and expand to tehsil and union council levels. The 2027 edition is expected to be even larger, with enhanced infrastructure and participation following the government’s commitment to making the Pink Games a permanent feature of Punjab’s sports calendar.