Peshawar: Preparations for the National Junior Championship 2026 are in full swing in Peshawar, with the prestigious sporting event set to officially commence on June 7 at the Qayyum Sports Complex.

Speaking to the media, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser for Sports and Youth Affairs Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand said that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will inaugurate the championship. He was accompanied by Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider and Director Operations Jamshed Baloch.

According to the adviser, a total of 952 talented male and female athletes from all four provinces and various government departments will participate in the championship.

Organized by the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the event will feature competitions in squash, table tennis, athletics, badminton, karate, and volleyball. Separate contests for men and women will be held in all disciplines, except volleyball, which will feature only men’s competitions.

Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand encouraged young athletes to make the most of the opportunity by showcasing their talent and striving for excellence to bring honor to their provinces and the country.

He said the provincial government, under the leadership of the chief minister, is committed to providing equal and quality sporting opportunities to youth across the province.

“The championship is not just a sporting event; it is a platform that will bring together talented youth from across Pakistan, helping them develop their skills and strengthen national unity,” he added.

The opening ceremony will be held on June 7, while competitions in various sports will continue from June 8 to June 10. Squash events are scheduled to take place from June 3 to June 5.