Peshawar ends 27-year wait: 62nd National Badminton Championship set to ignite the city
Peshawar ends 27-year wait: 62nd National Badminton Championship set to ignite the city
By Nawaz Gohar ; After nearly three decades of anticipation, the city of Peshawar is finally set to reclaim its status as a hub for elite sports. The 62nd National Badminton Championship will officially commence on February 1st, marking the first time in 27 years that the provincial capital is hosting the country’s premier badminton event.
Organised through the joint efforts of the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Burraq Builders, the championship will be held at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Training and Coaching Centre. Addressing a high-profile press conference,
Organizing Secretary Mian Sadaqat Shah and Burraq Builders CEO Ali Haider Babakhel confirmed that all logistical and technical arrangements have been finalized to ensure a world-class experience for athletes and fans alike. Adding a touch of glamour to the sporting fervor, renowned singer Sahar Khan has been named the official Brand Ambassador for the championship.
The event will see over 300 male and female athletes representing powerhouse departments including Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Pakistan Air Force, Police, Railways, and HEC, alongside provincial teams from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, AJ&K, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the host, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All eyes will be on local hero Murad Khan, who is set to defend his national title on home soil.
Speaking on his firm’s involvement, Ali Haider Babakhel emphasized that sponsoring such a mega-event is a point of pride for Burraq Builders. “Our mission extends beyond infrastructure; we are committed to revitalizing our playgrounds and supporting art, culture, and sports as pillars of provincial progress,” he stated, pledging continued support for future athletic endeavors.
The championship carries deep historical significance. It has been noted that the man who won the National Title the last time the event was held in Peshawar (27 years ago), Wajid Ali Chaudhry, now leads the sport as the President of the Pakistan Badminton Federation, bringing his journey, and the sport, full circle in the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
