Nishtar Park Sports Complex is a large government-run sports facility in the heart of Lahore. It is managed by the Sports Board Punjab and hosts major provincial and national sports events throughout the year . The complex is home to several stadiums and training academies, and it is where many young athletes in Punjab come to train and compete.
This guide covers what you can find at the complex, the sports programs available, and practical information for visitors. It focuses on the Lahore facility, not the separate Nishtar Park in Karachi.
What is Nishtar Park Sports Complex?
The complex sits in Gulberg, Lahore, near Canal Road. It is owned by the Government of Punjab and operated by the Sports Board Punjab . Over the years, it has grown into a major sports hub for the province.
The complex includes several venues in one area:
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Punjab Stadium – a large outdoor stadium used for major ceremonies and athletics events
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National Hockey Stadium – a dedicated field hockey venue
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Punjab International Swimming Complex – a swimming facility for competitions and training
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Punjab International Tennis Stadium – used for national and international junior tennis events
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Nishtar Park Gymnasium – an indoor hall for sports like chess and other indoor games
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Boxing and squash facilities – training and competition spaces for these sports
Gaddafi Stadium, the famous cricket ground, is often described as part of the wider Nishtar Park area. However, it is run by the Pakistan Cricket Board, not Sports Board Punjab .
Sports Academies and Training Programs
One of the most useful things about Nishtar Park is its training programs. These are free or low-cost options for young people in Punjab who want to develop their sports skills.
CM Punjab Sports Academies
The Chief Minister’s Sports Academies operate at Nishtar Park. These academies are designed to find and train future sports champions. Children enrolled in these academies receive training throughout the year at no cost .
Training activities take place across different venues in the complex. For example, a karate academy at the Elite Training Centre has trained young athletes, including both boys and girls .
Tennis Academy
The Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy at Nishtar Park is an important centre for young tennis players. It has hosted international junior events like the Ravi Cup ATF Asian Junior Tour U-12, which gives Pakistani children a chance to compete and earn international ranking points on home soil .
Other Sports
The complex also supports training in other sports through its facilities. The gymnasium hall has hosted events like the Punjab Open Chess Championship, which was open to players from across the country with no age limit .
Major Events Held at Nishtar Park
Nishtar Park regularly hosts large sports events. These bring athletes and spectators from across Punjab and Pakistan.
Khelta Punjab Pink Games
In February 2026, the complex hosted the opening of the Khelta Punjab Pink Games at Punjab Stadium. Around 3,400 women athletes from across Punjab took part. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif . This shows the complex’s role in promoting women’s sports in the province.
Tennis Championships
The tennis stadium has hosted several notable events. The 10th Sheheryar Malik Memorial Pakistan Open Tennis Championship took place at Nishtar Park, with top players like Ushna Suhail and Meheq Khokhar competing . The Ravi Cup ATF Asian Junior Tour U-12 was also held here, bringing international junior players to Lahore .
Chess Championship
The Punjab Open Chess Championship was held at the Nishtar Park gymnasium hall. It was described as the first large-scale chess event in the province. Matches ran late into the night, with arrangements for Sehri and free accommodation for players from other cities .
Practical Information for Visitors
If you plan to visit Nishtar Park Sports Complex, here are some useful things to know.
Location and Access
The complex is in Gulberg, Lahore. It is close to Canal Road and the commercial area of Gulberg. You can reach it by car, rickshaw, or ride-hailing services. Parking may be limited during major events, so plan to arrive early.
Entry and Fees
Entry policies vary by event and facility. For major public events like the Pink Games or tennis championships, entry is often open to spectators. For training academies, enrollment is required.
There is no single public fee schedule available online for all facilities. If you want to use a specific facility or join an academy, the best step is to contact the Sports Board Punjab directly or visit the complex’s administrative office.
Important: Do not confuse this Nishtar Park with the Nishtar Park in Karachi. They are completely different places in different provinces.
What to Expect
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Big events: Expect crowds and security checks. Arrive early and follow instructions from staff.
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Training sessions: These are usually for enrolled athletes. If you want to observe or inquire about joining, visit the relevant academy office.
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Facilities: The venues are government-run and functional, but they may not have the same polish as private sports clubs.
City and Province Context
Nishtar Park Sports Complex is a Punjab government asset. It serves athletes from across the province, not just Lahore. Players from Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and other cities come here for competitions and training camps.
The Sports Board Punjab uses this complex as a central hub for developing sports talent in the province. The CM Punjab Sports Academies, for example, are part of a province-wide effort to support young athletes .
If you live outside Lahore and want to participate in an event or academy, check the Sports Board Punjab website or contact the complex for accommodation options. Some events, like the chess championship, have offered free accommodation for out-of-city players .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Nishtar Park Sports Complex famous for?
Nishtar Park Sports Complex is famous for being Punjab’s main government sports hub in Lahore. It houses major venues like Punjab Stadium, the National Hockey Stadium, and international swimming and tennis facilities. It also hosts large events like the Khelta Punjab Pink Games and national tennis championships .
Is Nishtar Park Sports Complex free to enter?
Entry is generally free for spectators at major public events. However, access to training academies and specific facilities requires enrollment or permission. There is no single public day-pass system for all facilities, so it is best to check with the Sports Board Punjab for specific programs.
How can I join a sports academy at Nishtar Park?
The CM Punjab Sports Academies offer free training in various sports. To join, you should visit the complex and inquire at the relevant academy office, or check the Sports Board Punjab website for enrollment announcements. Programs like the karate academy have trained both boys and girls at no cost .
Is Gaddafi Stadium part of Nishtar Park Sports Complex?
Gaddafi Stadium is located in the wider Nishtar Park area, but it is not managed by Sports Board Punjab. It is operated by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The Nishtar Park Sports Complex itself refers to the facilities run by the Punjab government, such as Punjab Stadium and the hockey stadium .
What sports can I watch at Nishtar Park?
You can watch a range of sports depending on the event schedule. The complex has hosted tennis, chess, athletics, and women’s multi-sport events. Major events are usually announced in advance by Sports Board Punjab or through local news.
Is there a Nishtar Park in other cities?
Yes, there is a Nishtar Park in Karachi, Sindh. That is a different park and is not related to the Nishtar Park Sports Complex in Lahore, Punjab. This guide is only about the Lahore sports complex.
