Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today declared open the Fencing championship at University of Jammu for under-14 boys and girls category as part of 68th National School Games being held across India.
Promising players from across the country are participating in this prestigious event, which is being organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S), J&K, under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India.
In his address, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment towards promoting genuine sports talent while ensuring that no individual or group is allowed to politicize sports. He assured that only deserving athletes would be supported, and those who have misused sports bodies for personal gains would be shown the doors.
The Minister asserted that the National School Games are the country’s one of the most important platforms for school athletes to showcase their talent and compete at national level. "These games provide young athletes an opportunity to gain exposure, build discipline and develop competitive spirit, " he maintained.
Satish Sharma stressed that the games, held in various sporting disciplines, also encourage youth to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle while contributing to the overall development of their personalities.
The Minister extended gratitude to the parents, coaches and sports teachers for their unconditional support and encouragement of young athletes, which plays a crucial role in success of such sporting events. He said that present dispensation is keen to promote young talent and robust sports infrastructure in the state. He said that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, will strive to provide world class facilities to the players which will help them to perform better in national and international events.
The Minister expressed hope that with the support of Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor and coordination of Sports Ministry, a new era of evolved and advance sports culture will commence in J&K with all modern state of art facilities.
Satish Sharma also highlighted the broader benefits of sports, stating that it is essential in shaping well-rounded individuals, keeping the youth engaged, and diverting them from the negative effects of excessive mobile use and sedentary lifestyles. He acknowledged that while the Department of Youth Services and Sports has made commendable progress, there is still much more to be done to further enhance the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
Secretary YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, while speaking on the occasion, congratulated the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, for successful completion of the 68th National School Games in Wushu and expressed confidence that the remaining three national championships would also be successfully organized. He stressed the important role of the YS&S in nurturing the state's sports talent and instilling values of leadership, discipline, and perseverance.
The glittering inaugural ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by the Director General of YS&S, Rajinder Singh Tara.
Joint Director Jammu, Deputy Director, Central YS&S and Director of Sports, University of Jammu were also present.
