Sopore, Oct 5 (JKNS): In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering athletic talent and promoting a culture of sportsmanship in the region, the first-ever North Kashmir Sports Festival kicked off with grandeur at the Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, Sopore.
The three-day mega-event, which has brought together athletes from across the northern belt of the valley, promises to be a celebration of youth, energy, and competitive spirit.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Shri Ram Nivas Sharma (IAS), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The inaugural ceremony was marked by a distinguished presidium that included Safqat Iqbal, Secretary Higher Education, and Iftikhar Talib, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore, who attended as Guests of Honour.
They were joined by Prof. Subeena Chiloo, Principal of the host college, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event.
The proceedings commenced with a solemn ‘Izband’ ceremony performed by the students of the college, setting a tone of cultural reverence and local tradition for the sporting extravaganza.
In a gesture of appreciation and recognition, the dignitaries on the dais felicitated the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, and key stakeholders who made the event possible.
Among those honored were Event Sponsor Mr. Ajaiz Ahmad Bhat of Lazzat Masala, and Mr. Executive Engineer Javed Hussain Faktoo. Furthermore, all the Physical Directors from North Kashmir were recognized for their contributions to the field of physical education.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Subeena Chiloo presented the formal welcome address, extending a warm reception to the guests and participants. The inaugural session also witnessed significant academic and literary contributions, with the release of the college’s Bi-Annual Newsletter and the Annual College Magazine, ‘MEHAK’.
The scale of the event is unprecedented for the region, witnessing the participation of approximately 900 athletes representing 14 Degree Colleges and 5 Higher Secondary Schools from across North Kashmir.
Over the course of the next three days, these young athletes will compete in seven different sports disciplines, showcasing their prowess and competing for top honors.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmad Bhat, the College Physical Director and Sports Coordinator, presented a detailed note outlining the structure and significance of the event.
The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted with professional finesse by Prof. Zubair Syed Masoodi, while Prof. Pervez Ahmad Dar concluded the ceremony with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all involved parties for their support in launching this historic festival.
As the festival unfolds, it stands as a testament to the commitment of the Higher Education Department to promote holistic development through sports, providing a vital platform for the youth of North Kashmir to excel.
Pertinent to mention here that this is the first women sports festival of north Kashmir.
The festival was attended by all the worthy principals of Degree colleges and Higher secondary schools and a media fertinity of North Kashmir. (JKNS)