MARDAN: The Independence Day Female Sports Festival 2026 officially began at the Sports Complex Mardan, bringing together female athletes from across the district for a series of sporting competitions.
The festival has been jointly organised by the District Administration Mardan and the Regional Sports Office Mardan. Competitions in various sports will continue through August 14.
Former Member of the Provincial Assembly Sajida Hanif and Assistant Assistant Commissioner (AAC) Shagufta Sarwar attended the opening ceremony as chief guests. Regional Sports Officer Mardan Sajid Khan Afridi, District Youth Officer Saddam Khan, officials and representatives of women’s sports associations, athletes, coaches, media representatives and other dignitaries were also present.
Female athletes demonstrated their skills during the opening activities, with competitions scheduled in hockey, squash, boxing, lacrosse, volleyball, table tennis and badminton.
A Rescue 1122 team was also present at the venue, while security arrangements were put in place to ensure the safety of athletes and participants.
Addressing the ceremony, Sajida Hanif said providing women with equal opportunities in sports was essential. She said female athletes could bring recognition to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan through their talent, determination and hard work.
She added that sports help women develop confidence, discipline, healthy lifestyles and leadership skills, and described the organisation of the festival during Independence Day celebrations as a positive initiative.
AAC Shagufta Sarwar said sports play an important role in promoting healthy and constructive activities in society and encouraging young people to adopt active lifestyles.
She said providing women with maximum opportunities in sports was a collective responsibility and added that the government and district administration were taking steps to encourage female athletes and improve sporting facilities.
Regional Sports Officer Sajid Khan Afridi said the Regional Sports Office Mardan was committed to providing equal opportunities and facilities to male and female athletes.
He described the Independence Day Female Sports Festival as part of those efforts and said athletes would be given full opportunities to demonstrate their abilities throughout the competitions.
Afridi welcomed the participating athletes, coaches, sports associations and organisers, saying that celebrating Independence Day through sports reflected national spirit, unity and the importance of a healthy society.
At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Afridi presented commemorative shields to the chief guests.
The participating athletes expressed enthusiasm about the festival and said they were determined to use their sporting abilities to bring pride to Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan.
The competitions will continue at the Sports Complex Mardan until August 14.
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