SOPORE: The first North Kashmir Women’s Sports Festival began at Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, Sopore, on Monday, bringing together around 900 athletes from 14 degree colleges and five higher secondary schools across the region.
The three-day event was inaugurated by Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Ram Nivas Sharma. Secretary, Higher Education, Safqat Iqbal, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore Iftikhar Talib attended as guests of honour.
Organisers said participants will compete in seven sporting disciplines during the festival, which aims to promote sports participation among young women and provide a common platform for athletes from educational institutions across North Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership among students. He encouraged participants to compete with dedication and sportsmanship.
The inaugural ceremony also featured an Izband performance by students of the host college, showcasing local cultural traditions.
On the occasion, the college released its biannual newsletter and annual magazine, Mehak.
The event was attended by principals of degree colleges and higher secondary schools from North Kashmir, physical directors, faculty members, athletes and other guests.
