Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 3: In an impressive and colourful function, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, N N Vohra, inaugurated 58th National School Games Football Boys Under-17 Tournament at Bakshi Stadium, here today.
27 teams from various States and organisations of the country are participating in this Championship which is being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports under the aegis of School Games Federation of India (SGFI).
R S Chib, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; K Rajendra, Additional Director General of Police (Armed/Law and Order); Vinod Koul, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports; Baseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; J P Singh, Director, Youth Services and Sports; Dalip Thussu, Secretary, J&K State Sports Council; office bearers of the School Games Federation of India, J&K Football Association, Managers and Coaches of participating teams, players and football lovers were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor observed that there is tremendous sports talent among the boys and girls of the State and hoped that, with the availability of improved facilities and increasing opportunities, they will excel in all sports and games. He said that if their talents are nurtured and adequately groomed there shall be no reason why many of them not make it to the national teams in all games and sports disciplines in the coming years. He said that time has come for the youth of J&K to demonstrate their talents and bring laurels to the State in the various sports events at the national and international levels.
Referring to the 58th National School Games Football Under 17 Years for Boys, the Governor observed that football lovers would get a very good opportunity to witness these teams in action in the coming four days.
The Governor congratulated the School Games Federation of India and the J&K Youth Services and Sports Department for organising this Championship at Srinagar and hoped that this would further promote football, which has been a very popular game in the State.
Before declaring the Games Open, the Governor unfurled the School Games Federation of India Flag and released pigeons and balloons, symbols of peace, on this occasion. He took salute from the 27 contingents of the players at an impressive March Past, which was followed by oath taking ceremony by the teams.
The players of Manipur and West Bengal, who played the opening match of the Championship, were introduced to the Governor on this occasion. He interacted with them and wished them a good football and a bright future ahead.
R S Chib, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, speaking on the occasion, gave details of the various initiatives being taken for the promotion of sports and games in the State.
He expressed his gratitude to the School Games Federation of India for providing opportunity to J&K to host the 58th National School Games Football Under 17 years for Boys.
J P Singh, Director, Youth Services and Sports, in his welcome address, dwelt on the measures being taken for the promotion of various sports in the State.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel