SIALKOT
Punjab Minister for Labour and Human Resources Muhammad Manshaullah Butt officially inaugurated the National Basketball Championship 2026 at the CTI Stadium in Sialkot.
The championship features the country’s top 10 basketball teams, with the grand final scheduled for July 12.
The opening ceremony was attended by SDPO/Chief Head Qaiser Amin Butt, PML-N City President Rafiq Mughal, Chaudhry Syed, Sheikh Nasir, Adnan Akbar, Razzaq Gujjar, Haroon Gill, Waseem Gill, Amir Shaad, Nawaz Hidayat, Malik Samroon Inayat, Ashir Jamal, Ashir Amjad, Afaz Anwar, former national and local basketball players, sports personalities, and a large number of spectators.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Muhammad Manshaullah Butt said the Punjab government is taking practical steps to promote sports and encourage young people to participate in healthy and constructive activities.
He said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special emphasis is being placed on strengthening sports infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and organizing national-level sporting events across the province.
The minister highlighted Sialkot’s longstanding reputation for producing talented athletes, saying that events such as the National Basketball Championship provide an excellent platform for young players to showcase their abilities.
He added that sports also play a vital role in promoting discipline, mutual respect, national unity, and the development of a healthy society.
The provincial minister appreciated the efforts of the organizers and expressed hope that all the teams participating in the championship would perform well and the fans would get to see quality matches. He met the players, encouraged them and expressed his best wishes for the successful holding of the championship.
At the end of the ceremony, a commemorative shield was also presented to the chief guest, while the opening match was played in an exciting and thrilling atmosphere.
