Srinagar: The Department of Youth Services & Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, has proudly inaugurated the 67th National School Games Football U19 and Volleyball U17 Boys today at the iconic Bakshi Stadium here.
This marks a significant milestone as Jammu and Kashmir is hosting a National Level Tournament of this magnitude after a hiatus of 08 years.
The grand and vibrant inauguration ceremony was a testament to the rich culture and sporting heritage of the region.
The event was graced by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who served as the chief guest. In a traditional Kashmiri touch, Manoj Sinha ceremoniously lit the lamp (‘Diya & Izband’) and officially inaugurated the tournament.
R.R Batnagar, Advisor to LG Sanjiv Verma, Commissioner Secretary GAD, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary YSS, Mohammad Aijaz Assad, DC Srinagar, Sujit Kumar, DIG Central Kashmir, Nuzhat Gul, Secretary JK State Sports Council, Ashish Kumar Mishra SSP Srinagar, Additional Secretary to Government Department of YSS Waseem Raja, Deputy Director Central of YSS Jatinder Mishra, Joint Director Kashmir Waseem Raja and senior officers of the Department were also present on the glittering ceremony of the mega sports extravaganza.
Students from all over Kashmir, eager to witness this grand inauguration, flocked to the stadium in large numbers. The event saw an overwhelming response, with more than 15,000 spectators creating an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium.
Director YSS in his vote of thanks paid his heartfelt gratitude to the senior dignitaries for making it a memorable event.
In his address to the participants, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stressed the paramount importance of such events in the holistic development of young individuals. He highlighted that sports instil discipline, teamwork, and determination in the youth, which are essential for their overall growth. Manoj Sinha extended his best wishes to all the participating teams, encouraging them to give their best and exemplify the true spirit of sportsmanship.
16 venues across Srinagar City are set to host different matches of Volleyball and Football, providing a dynamic and diverse backdrop for the tournament. The city’s infrastructure and facilities have been meticulously prepared to ensure a seamless and memorable sporting experience for all the participants and spectators.
In a thrilling kick-off match, the host state, Jammu and Kashmir, faced off against Maharashtra in football. The contest was marked by intense competition, with J&K securing a 1-0 victory. Mohd Salha emerged as the impact player, while Furkaan earned the title “Man of the Match.”
The proceedings of the glittering delivering anchoring were expertly handled by the Media Coordinator YSS, Azhar Hajini, and Farah Zaidi, adding an extra layer of professionalism and excitement to the event.
The inauguration ceremony was a dazzling display of the region’s cultural diversity and talent. Participants and spectators alike were treated to a visual feast of colourful cultural programs that showcased the essence of Kashmiri heritage. One of the highlights of the event was the majestic march past, where teams representing various states, Union Territories, and affiliated organizations of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) proudly paraded in front of the audience. The unity in diversity and the spirit of sportsmanship were on full display as these young athletes, hailing from all corners of India, stood together to celebrate their love for sports.
This event underlines the commitment of the Department of Youth Services & Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, to promote sports and nurture young talent. The 67th National School Games Football U19 and Volleyball U17 Boys are expected to be a platform for these budding athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a national level.
The tournament will witness fierce competition and the spirit of true sportsmanship as these young talents battle it out on the field, aiming for excellence.
