Balochistan: Pakistan Army and the govt of Pakistan have played a crucial role in uplifting the people of Balochistan through developmental projects, spanning areas such as sports, education, health, and employment. In the year 2023, Balochistan witnessed the organization of 30 major sports events, marking a historic moment in the province's history.

More than 30 sporting competitions took place across the province during the year, starting with the Gwadar Sports Festival and Beach Games in January, continuing until January 27. The highlight of these events was the PSL showcase match between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi, held on February 5 in Quetta, drawing many cricket enthusiasts.

Additionally, on February 5, a women's cricket match was organized in observance of Kashmir Day. The Department of Sports initiated the Balochistan Games, which ran from February 20 to March 11 in all districts of Balochistan, culminating in the final round from March 12 to March 20 in Quetta. During the month of Ramadan, Quetta hosted the Ramadan Sports Festival from April 9 to April 26, 2023. In June 2023, the Secretary of Sports, Is-haq Jamali, successfully concluded the Under-13 Cricket Tournament.

The All Balochistan Chief Minister's Cricket Tournament took place from June 20 to June 26, 2023. In July 2023, the Women's All Quetta Table Tennis Championship was held from July 18 to July 20. Celebrations for Independence Day included the All Pakistan Independence Cricket Gold Cup held in Quetta from August 8 to August 14, 2023, and the Independence Sports Festival held in all districts of Balochistan from August 10 to August 14, 2023. On September 13, 2023, the National Games featured ceremonies honoring outstanding athletes from Balochistan with trophies and cash awards. The Quetta Super League Cricket Tournament for Under-13 and Under-16 categories took place from September 10 to October 1, 2023. From September 19 to October 8, 2023, Pakistan's largest football event, the All Pakistan Chief Minister Balochistan Football Gold Cup, was organized with over 60 teams participating from across the country. The All Pakistan-Balochistan Inter-Provincial Women's Volleyball Championship occurred from October 5 to October 9, 2023, followed by the 53rd National Women's Volleyball Championship from October 11 to October 17, 2023. From October 26 to November 1, 2023, the Sports Festival named after the martyred Nawabzada Mir Siraj Khan Raisani was inaugurated by the Sports Department. The All Balochistan Under-19 Cricket Tournament took place in two phases from October 24 to November 2, 2023, in Khuzdar and Quetta, with the final round played in Quetta.

The Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani Under-10 Women's Futsal Tournament occurred from November 4 to November 6, 2023. Additionally, the Southern Balochistan Sports Youth and Culture Festival, which began in the previous year, continued from December 11 to December 15, 2023. The 34th National Games witnessed significant contributions from Pakistani and Balochistani players, sports organizations, and the people of Balochistan in achieving success.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 15 2024

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