Lahore: Like the rest of the world, Pakistan is proudly celebrating Olympics Day today to honor the spirit of the modern Olympic Games. The day is marked by a range of sporting events, awareness activities, and educational engagements across the country to promote the values of sportsmanship, unity, and physical fitness.
Celebrated globally on June 23 each year, Olympics Day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. This day serves as a global reminder of the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, and aims to inspire people of all ages to participate in physical activities, regardless of their background or athletic ability.
History and Significance of Olympics Day
Olympics Day was first introduced in 1948 by the IOC to mark the anniversary of its establishment. The concept was designed not only to honor the history of the modern Olympic Games but also to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among global citizens.
Each year, over 150 countries across the globe participate in this celebration by organizing runs, walks, community sports festivals, and awareness campaigns. The day has evolved from being merely symbolic to becoming an active global movement that emphasizes sports inclusion, youth engagement, and gender equality in athletics.
Pakistan’s Role in Olympics Day Celebrations
In Pakistan, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has taken significant steps to promote Olympics Day as a platform for encouraging young athletes and fostering sports culture in the country. From school-level events to public sporting exhibitions, a variety of programs are held across major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.
This year, Olympics Day 2025 in Pakistan is being celebrated with special enthusiasm as the country prepares to send athletes to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which had been rescheduled due to previous global disruptions.
Events Organized in Lahore and Across the Country
In Lahore, a major ceremony is being held at the prestigious Aitchison College, organized by the Pakistan Olympic Association. The event includes participation from a variety of sports officials, athletes, and dignitaries, with representatives from hockey, rugby, tennis, athletics, and other sports federations joining in.
Among the key highlights of the day:
- Olympic Walk: A symbolic walk promoting health and unity was organized this morning, involving students, sports officials, and national athletes.
- Sports Demonstrations: Demonstrations in rugby, hockey, and tennis were conducted to engage young spectators and aspiring athletes.
- Panel Discussions: Sports experts and former Olympians addressed attendees about the significance of sports in personal development and nation-building.
Visit to the Pakistan Olympic Museum
As part of the Olympic Day educational initiatives, schoolchildren were taken to the Pakistan Olympic Museum, located on Olympic Way. The visit aimed to cultivate curiosity and appreciation for sports among the younger generation.
Students were shown:
- Historical medals and trophies won by Pakistani athletes.
- Olympic memorabilia including flags, kits, and sports equipment.
- Photo galleries and video documentaries highlighting the journeys of Pakistan’s most iconic Olympians.
The museum also showcased the legacies of legends like Hockey icon Samiullah Khan, Boxer Hussain Shah, and Athlete Shabana Akhtar, Pakistan’s first female Olympian.
Pakistan’s Olympic Journey: A Look Back
Pakistan has a rich Olympic history, particularly in field hockey. The country has won a total of 10 Olympic medals, including 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes — all in hockey.
Here’s a brief overview of Pakistan’s Olympic highlights:
- Gold Medals: Rome 1960, Mexico 1968, and Los Angeles 1984 (Men’s Hockey).
- Bronze Medals: In boxing and wrestling, showcasing the strength of individual athletes.
- Notable Athletes: Hussain Shah (boxing bronze, 1988 Seoul Olympics), Shabana Akhtar (Pakistan’s first female track and field Olympian, 1996 Atlanta).
Pakistan continues to strive for Olympic success in athletics, shooting, judo, wrestling, and weightlifting — areas where young talent is now being nurtured at the grassroots level.
Global Impact and Modern Purpose of Olympics Day
Globally, the IOC encourages National Olympic Committees to use the day to spread awareness of the Olympic values and to get people moving. The campaign often focuses on three pillars:
- Move: Encouraging people to be physically active.
- Learn: Educating people about the Olympic Games and its values.
- Discover: Inspiring participation in new sports.
This year’s international theme is “Sport for All, Peace for All”, aimed at uniting nations through sports, promoting diplomacy, and creating global friendships beyond political boundaries.
Countries like Japan, France, Brazil, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are conducting Olympic Runs, school sports events, and virtual engagements to mark the day.
Message from the Pakistan Olympic Association
President of the POA, Lt. Gen. (R) Syed Arif Hasan, released a special message on the occasion, stating:
“Olympics Day reminds us of the power of sports to unite communities, develop character, and raise the image of our nation globally. It is our mission to support young talent and provide them with the platforms and training they need to become future Olympians. Let us celebrate the Olympic spirit with enthusiasm and commitment to excellence.”
He also urged the government and private sector to invest more in sports infrastructure and athlete development, especially ahead of upcoming international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and the Paris Olympics.
Olympic Day and Youth Engagement
One of the most vital aspects of Olympics Day is its emphasis on youth and inclusivity. With Pakistan’s population predominantly young, events like these provide a valuable opportunity to:
- Instill discipline and perseverance among children.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.
- Encourage career-building in non-traditional professions like athletics, coaching, and sports journalism.
Various schools across Pakistan have also conducted mini-Olympics-style competitions, encouraging students to try multiple sports and understand the significance of fair play and teamwork.
Conclusion: Olympics Day — A Symbol of Hope, Unity, and Healthy Living
Olympics Day is much more than a commemoration of an athletic event. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, of nations coming together, and of dreams taking flight. In Pakistan, as in the rest of the world, it serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating children, youth, and adults alike to embrace sports as a way of life.
With activities taking place in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and other cities, the message is loud and clear: sports is for everyone — regardless of age, gender, background, or ability. Pakistan’s participation in this global celebration is a reaffirmation of its commitment to nurturing talent, building peace through sports, and continuing its proud Olympic legacy.
