Lahore: Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar inaugurated the Punjab Open Chess Championship at Nishtar Park Sports Complex Gymnasium Hall on Friday.

Secretary Sports Muhammad Ali, Director General Sports Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, Director Admin Abid Shaukat, Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum, and officials from the Punjab Chess Association were also present.

The 2-day championship, organized under the aegis of Punjab Sports Department, features 350 participants, including 110 master players, 140 new players, 70 U-16 players, and 20 girls from across Punjab. Special arrangements for refreshments, Sehri, and free accommodation for players from other cities were provided.

Speaking at the event, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar highlighted the Punjab government's efforts to promote sports under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, emphasizing chess as a mental and strategic game that fosters youth planning, decision-making, and leadership skills. He added that promoting all sports will help produce national and international level athletes from Punjab.