- Event fosters unity in diversity, sportsmanship: Sarmad Hafeez
JAMMU: The Secretary to the Government, Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Sarmad Hafeez, declared the 68th National School Games open in an impressive, colourful and well attended opening ceremony at MA Stadium here on Thursday. The sporting extravaganza, featuring Judo Under-17 Boys category is as part of the series of events J&K is hosting in four sports disciplines of Judo, Wushu, Fencing and Football.
Thirty five (35) teams from across the country comprising around 350 athletes are all set to vie for the top honours by displaying their skill and talent, besides sporting and competitive spirit in the City of Temples. The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional lamp which was followed by an appealing welcome address by the Director General Youth Services and Sports, Rajinder Singh Tara, who is also the chairman of this mega event.
Welcoming the dignitaries and the visiting contingents, DG YSS expressed his hope that all participants would cherish their time in Jammu and Kashmir and carry home lasting memories from the tournament. Highlighting the magnitude of the event, he informed that over 4,000 participants will compete across various disciplines during the games, emphasizing J&K's commitment towards nurturing budding athletes and promoting sports in every nook and corner of the Union Territory.
Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez lavished praise on the achievements and the activities of the Youth Services and Sports Department. While welcoming the participants drawn from across the country, Secretary YSS underscored the unity and sportsmanship that the National School Games foster. While making a special mention about the modern and high-class sports infrastructure built in last 5 years across the UT he stated, “we are committed to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a powerhouse of sports, providing world-class infrastructure, opportunities, and support for athletes at all levels.
We aim to provide a culture where sports is an integral part of everyday life, encouraging young talent and ensuring comprehensive development through world class facilities, experienced coaching staff, and organized competitions. By investing in both traditional and emerging sports, we aspire to place Jammu and Kashmir on the national and international sports map, creating champions and promoting a vibrant sports ecosystem that inspires future generations”.
Highlighting the importance of hosting such sporting events in Jammu and Kashmir, the Secretary YSS said such events apart from promoting sports and games, also promote tourism, besides promoting peace and harmony. He further said that such events showcase the region’s infrastructure and hospitality while supporting youth engagement in sports at a national scene.
Several high-ranking officials graced the occasion, including DIG Police, Director School Education Jammu, Secretary J&K Sports Council who shared in the celebrations and extended their best wishes to the young athletes. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu, Ved Prakash, who expressed his gratitude to all dignitaries, guests, and media representatives for their support in making the event a grand success. Deputy Director YSS (C), Jatinder Mishra was also present on the occasion.
An impressive display of Martial Arts by young students was and appreciated by the audiences. A colourful cultural programme depicting musical richness of J&K, received huge applause from the dignitaries. Proceedings of the colourful programme were professionally conducted by Azhar Hajini and Sarita Bandral. The 68th National School Games promises to be an exciting platform for young athletes to shine and bring pride to their regions, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie across states.
