Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 9: Athletes of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory have created history by winning 46 medals in the 37th National Games that concluded today in Goa.
While the foundation for J&K’s best-ever performance was laid by rhythmic gymnastics bagging silver medals thereafter the performances came rolling one after the other aggregating as many as forty-six medals; including fourteen gold, fourteen silver, and eighteen bronze medals and the team J&K figured in the first 12 performers in the games.
Before this participation, the J&K team had seldom crossed the double figure mark except for two occasions, one in 2011 when the National games were held at Jharkhand and the team bagged twelve medals including four silver and eight bronze titles however the team was ranked twenty-sixth in the medal tally. Similarly in 2015, the team J&K pocketed as many as fifteen medals, including three gold, two silver, and ten bronze medals.
The success achieved by the J&K athletes did not come to the fore overnight but is the hard work of athletes over the years backed by some remarkable transformations in the background.
Advisor R.R Bhatnagar appreciated members of the J&K contingent and said that the relentless dedication and unyielding spirit of the athletes has led them to this momentous journey. “The countless hours of rigorous training, strategizing, and hard work you have put into honing your craft have paid off in the most glorious fashion,” said Bhatnagar.
Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department said, “I am filled with immense pride seeing our players shine on the bigger stages, bringing glory to our Union Territory.”
“The athletes have showcased their exceptional skill levels and coupled their passion with determination and commitment to bring laurels to the J&K and performances like this always give you a sense of great satisfaction though I ardently believe that our athletes can touch skies,” said Sarmad Hafeez.
Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull said, “Each member of the J&K Winning Team has demonstrated unparalleled sportsmanship, passion, and commitment, setting an example for others to follow.”
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