History of National Games

The father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had a great love for sports and fully realized the vital role it played in the development of Nations and inculcation of discipline among the masses.

In a meeting with the Organizing Committee of the First Pakistan Olympic Games held at Karachi the Quaid-i-Azam said to the first President of Pakistan Olympic Association Mr. Ahmed E.H. Jaffar:

"Dedicate yourself to sports promotion, for when you and I are gone, leadership will go into the hands of Youth, and Youth is our wealth, a raw material, that must be hammered into shape, into burnished steel to strive and smite in defence - the defence of the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan - the defence of the ideology of Pakistan."

Quaid-i-Azam with the members of the First Pakistan Olympic Association 1948

The first National Games were held at Polo Ground, Karachi from 23rd to 25th April, 1948. Sportsmen and officials from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and all the integrated Provincial units of West Pakistan took part in these Games. The total number of athletes was 140. No competitors were, however, invited from any foreign country. Competitions were held in Track and Field, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

"For sound minds we should have sound bodies and that is why nations the world over attach so much importance to bodybuilding and physical culture, The Pakistan Olympic Games should set an incentive to all Pakistan Nationals to emulate the Olympic Motto 'CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS' i.e. 'FASTER, HIGHER AND STRONGER'. I wish the organizers of the Games and all competitors of the Games and all competitors the best luck, Build up Pakistan Higher, Firmer and Strong."

The overall championship was won by the Punjab contingent. The Quaid-i-Azam donated a "Challenge Shield" from his private funds which bears his illustrious name.

Quaid-i-Azam Trophy

Quaid-i-Azam's philosophy about Pakistan Youth, is expressed most forcefully in a letter he sent to the late Mr. M. A. Khaliq, the Organizing Secretary of the First Pakistan Olympic Games in May, 1948.

"Well, we have crossed hurdles and breasted the tape at the 'Wining Post', this the people say in smugness. I maintain that we have only run the first lap of marathon relay race. I have passed the baton to others to dash on from lap to lap, determined and dedicated, United and Disciplined, with faith in themselves and God."

"Your race to destiny, shall be calculatingly cluttered wit obstacles, and if you have Unity, Faith and Discipline, nothing will ever stop you from becoming sturdy and strong. Strength alone is an effective deterrent to aggression."

"Build leadership on the play fields, and try to become good followers. Remember no one can ever command, who does not learn how to obey. Be a builder. Build for others."

Pakistan National Games are the most prestigious event of our National Sports Calendar which are organized under the aegis of Pakistan Olympic Association biennially in rotation in collaboration with the respective Provincial Olympic Associations and Provincial Governments. In these Games all the affiliated units of Pakistan Olympic Association take part.

Winners of previous National Games