- Jharkhand Claims Title as U-17 Girls Football Champion
JAMMU, Dec 10: Satish Sharma, the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, FCS & CA, and Transport, officially closed the 68th National School Games during an impressive valedictory event held at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu. The games featured four sports disciplines: Judo, Fencing, Wushu, and Football.
Approximately 4,000 athletes and officials from 44 state/UT/organization teams across the nation participated in this prestigious event, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, under the auspices of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI).
In his address to a large audience of participants, the Sports Minister expressed appreciation for their sporting spirit and discipline throughout the month-long occasion, which contributed to its smooth and successful execution.
He reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to fostering authentic sports talent, stating that no individual or faction would be permitted to politicize sports. He promised support exclusively to deserving athletes, noting that those misusing sports organizations for personal advantage would be dismissed.
“Sports must be the domain of athletes,” asserted Satish Sharma, emphasizing that only athletes should govern sports associations to achieve better outcomes. He envisions Jammu and Kashmir establishing a place on India’s sports landscape, nurturing young athletes to thrive on the national stage.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to parents, coaches, and sports teachers for their steadfast support of young athletes and emphasized the importance of sports in developing well-rounded individuals, keeping youth engaged, and diverting them from inactive lifestyles.
The Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, highlighted the department’s role in cultivating sports talent at the grassroots level, instilling leadership, discipline, and perseverance.
He congratulated the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, for successfully conducting the 68th National School Games in Judo and expressed confidence in the successful organization of the remaining three national championships.
The spectacular closing ceremony began with a welcoming address from Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General of YS & S. He discussed the significance of such events in promoting sports while fostering cultural exchange, unity, and religious harmony among youth.
With over 4,000 participants competing in various sports, Tara emphasized J&K’s determination to nurture emerging athletes and promote sports throughout the Union Territory.
The ceremony also featured an electrifying performance by renowned Dogri singer Sonali Dogra.
In the final results, Jharkhand secured the gold medal, Haryana took home the silver, and Manipur won the bronze. Anushka Kumari from Jharkhand was named the Best Player in the U-17 Girls Football Championship. The Sports Minister and other dignitaries presented medals and trophies to the winners of the Girls U-17 Football Championship.
