*Rohit, Indira, Mayuri, Satyam, Pooja blossom
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: Outplaying their rivals in close contests in the summit clashes, defending champions Uttrar Pradesh and Maharashtra retained the boys and girls titles respectively in the 59th National School Games Volleyball Under-14 Boys and Girls Tournament, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, under the aegis of School Games Federation of India (SGFI), which concluded at MA Stadium, here today.
Minister for Roads and Buildings, Abdul Majid Wani was the chief guest on the occasion, who declared the Tournament closed in an impressive, well attended and colourful function. Minister of State for Sports, Feroz Ahmed Khan presided over the function.
Earlier, in boys final, UP got better of Uttrakhand (3-1) by (26-28, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23), while the third place in this section went to Karnataka by beating Delhi (3-0).
In girls title clash, Maharashtra prevailed over Rajasthan (3-2) in a thrilling contest by (25-20, 24-26, 25-10, 23-21, 18-16), while the third place went to Uttar Pradesh by defeating Karnataka (3-0).
Meanwhile, Rohit Bid of UP was adjudged best spikker in boys section, while Indira of Rajasthan was named best spikker in girls section. The best setter in boys section was named Satyam Singh of Uttrakhand, while in girls section, the best setter award was claimed by Pooja Kohli of Maharashtra.
Mayuri of Maharashtra was adjudged woman of the match in girls summit clash, while the man of the match in boys section went to Rohit Bid of Uttar Pradesh.
Arun of Uttrakahand was adjudged player of the tournament in boys section, while Indira of Rajasthan was adjudged player of tournament in girls section.
Speaking on the valedictory function, Wani while congratulating the participating contingents for displaying extraordinary skill in this mega event, said that education without sports and allied activities is incomplete, adding the tournaments like this, apart from promoting sports and tourism in the State, serve as a launching pad in bringing peace and harmony in the State, through the messengers of peace (sportspersons).
While quoting the example of a player who showcased her skill and talent to a perfection, despite being short in height in the discipline like volleyball, the Minister said that Sports helps you to do bigger things in smaller way.
Minister of State for Sports, Feroz Ahmed Khan in his address lauded the efforts of the organizers in holding the mega event and called upon the players to be ambassadors of the State and carry forward the message of peace tot heir respective States.
He appreciated the performance of the players in helping their teams win.
Earlier, Director General Youth Services and Sports, Navin Aggarwal in his welcome address said that 42 teams drawn from 22 States/Union Territories from across the Country participated in this sporting extravaganza.
He said budding players displayed highest quality stuff and the game was the winner in the entire tournament, adding winning and losing are two sides of the same coin and what is needed is to give your best.
Mr Aggarwal further said that the host boys’ team scripted couple of victories against formidable sides to make it to the pre-quarterfinals, before losing in quarterfinals. He hoped for a better show from the State teams in the discipline of volleyball in future.
Later, Ved Prakash, Deputy Director Youth Services and Sports, who was also the organizing secretary of the tournament presented vote of thanks.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Parvez Ahmed Malik, Secretary Youth Services and Sports; Madan Lal, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports and Ashok Kumar, Senior Vice President School Games Federation of India (SGFI).
A beautiful cultural item was presented by the students of GHSS Canal Road, Jammu.
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