Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared the All India Inter-University Fencing (Men & Women) Championship 2022-23 open at Jammu University today and credited the National Education Policy for having made sports an integral part of the academic curricula.
More than 1000 fencers from 100 universities across the country are participating in this grand event, an official press release informed.
It said during the event, LG also released the competition mascot and departmental calendar of the Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, University of Jammu.
Addressing the fencers from across the country, who are taking part in the championship, the LG spoke on the reforms introduced to promote sports in educational institutions and steps taken to encourage more youth to participate in sports for their holistic development.
“National Education Policy has made sports an integral part of the academic curriculum. It also emphasizes that the curriculum should focus on holistic education, in which science, social science, art, humanities, and sports will promote material and human efficiency together,” the LG noted.
“The aspiration of the country is embedded in the ambition of youth. The different disciplines of sports have become the source of new goals, character building, and the values of team spirit,” the LG said.
He said “this unique and extraordinary championship is truly inspiring. It will enable and encourage more such sporting events and lead to the identification of future talents and sustainable sports movement in the J&K UT.”
Contesting in a game is itself a victory and for the fencers, it gives an opportunity to learn discipline, balance, speed, mental agility, and self-confidence, he added.
Sports as soft power have an important role in bringing regions, nations, and diverse cultures together. As a social enterprise, sports give paramount importance to equality, and economic development that benefits the entire community, the LG observed.
Highlighting the vital importance of sports in the globalized world, the LG said: “Sports can be instruments of change in the world and the change starts with accepting the challenge.”
“My mantra for budding sportspersons is to stop doubting yourself and go after what you really want in life with complete dedication. With firm determination, hard work, and faith, players can chart their own future,” the LG added.
On the transformation taking place in the sporting ecosystem, the LG said “under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a formidable sporting power. Our focus is on sustainable development of sports.”
“Improved sports infrastructure has substantially increased sports activities in J&K. Sportsperson-centric policies & schemes, promotion of sports at grassroots level, world-class coaching & training facilities have infused new hopes and dreams among budding sportspersons,” the LG said.
Pertinently, Jammu University has made a provision by adding credits to the student’s results based on their performance in sports.
Prof Dinesh Singh, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, who is also Vice-Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Council, also addressed the gathering and shared his insightful thoughts and inspiring ideas about sports and congratulated the organizers for the mega Event.
Prof Dinesh Singh highlighted several initiatives of the UT administration for the promotion and development of sports, especially in higher educational institutions, and asked the sportspersons to make optimal utilization of the state-of-the-art resources available to hone their skills.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, said that sports and sportspersons are getting unprecedented recognition in J&K under the LG-led UT administration. A new culture of night sports under floodlights is being developed across the UT, he added
Earlier, Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, Directorate of Sports, and Physical Education, University of Jammu presented the formal welcome address and detailed report of the championship.
All India Inter-University Fencing Championship is being organized by the Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, University of Jammu. Participants also took a sports pledge to play with the true spirit of sportsmanship for the glory of the sport.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Deans, faculty members, senior officials, prominent sports personalities, a large number of people, and youth were present on the occasion.
