*J&K defeats Karnataka by 5-2 in first football match
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that sports serve as an important medium for promoting unity, friendship, and mutual understanding among youth from different parts of the country.
He was addressing a gathering of athletes after declaring open the 69th National School Games at the TRC Football Ground, which will witness the participation of over 4,000 young athletes from across India.
Srinagar, Oct 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that sports serve as an important medium for promoting unity, friendship, and mutual understanding among youth from different parts of the country.
He was addressing a gathering of athletes after declaring open the 69th National School Games at the TRC Football Ground, which will witness the participation of over 4,000 young athletes from across India.
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The CM officially declared the event open by ceremonially kicking a football, marking the formal commencement of the national-level sporting event.
“Sports build bridges of unity and friendship. I am delighted to be here with you at the inauguration of the 69th National School Games. Unfortunately, the weather today does not permit me to deliver a long speech or keep you waiting in the rain,” he said.
While the weather is beyond our control, Omar said, “it gives me immense pleasure-on behalf of myself, my colleagues, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir-to warmly welcome all of you to this prestigious tournament.”
The CM assured participants of full support from the Government and organisers, adding that every effort would be made to ensure their comfort and safety.
“If any of you face any inconvenience-whether a shortage of warm clothing or any other requirement-please do not hesitate to approach us. We will do everything possible to make your stay and participation comfortable.”
Expressing optimism about improving weather conditions, Omar encouraged the young athletes to enjoy the experience of competition and camaraderie. “I am hopeful of better weather in a few days and after that you will be able to enjoy the games.”
“As the saying goes, winning is not as important as taking part. I sincerely appreciate your spirit and enthusiasm in coming here to participate,” he said, wishing the players memorable moments and success in the tournament.
Despite the inclement weather, more than 5,000 schoolchildren and spectators from across the Kashmir division attended the vibrant opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed (Pardesi), Director General Youth Services & Sports Anuradha Gupta, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, and several other dignitaries and officials.
This year’s National School Games has drawn participation from 30 teams representing various States and Union Territories across the country, with matches scheduled to be played at six different venues.
The events include competitions in football, wushu, taekwondo, and table tennis.
The march past by 30 participating teams drew appreciation from the Chief Minister and applause from a large gathering of schoolchildren and spectators at the venue.
Players, coaches, and team officials also took the oath of sportsmanship, pledging to uphold the values of fair play, discipline, and teamwork.
Immediately following the ceremony, Omar Abdullah shared his appreciation on social media, writing, “I deeply appreciate the efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department for their comprehensive preparations and wish all participants great success.”
Meanwhile, in a high-voltage inaugural match of the football tournament, the host J&K team defeated Karnataka with a convincing score of 5-2.
Sahil was the top performer for the J&K team, scoring three goals, while Yasir and Basir contributed one goal each for the winning side. Vedant and Sufan scored one goal each for the Karnataka team.
Minister Satish Sharma who was also present on the occasion said that the athletes who have come from different parts of the country will know what Kashmir looks like and take that message back.
“These students will send a message that Kashmir is not what is portrayed in the media and that there is peace and security,” he said.
The CM officially declared the event open by ceremonially kicking a football, marking the formal commencement of the national-level sporting event.
“Sports build bridges of unity and friendship. I am delighted to be here with you at the inauguration of the 69th National School Games. Unfortunately, the weather today does not permit me to deliver a long speech or keep you waiting in the rain,” he said.
While the weather is beyond our control, Omar said, “it gives me immense pleasure-on behalf of myself, my colleagues, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir-to warmly welcome all of you to this prestigious tournament.”
The CM assured participants of full support from the Government and organisers, adding that every effort would be made to ensure their comfort and safety.
“If any of you face any inconvenience-whether a shortage of warm clothing or any other requirement-please do not hesitate to approach us. We will do everything possible to make your stay and participation comfortable.”
Expressing optimism about improving weather conditions, Omar encouraged the young athletes to enjoy the experience of competition and camaraderie. “I am hopeful of better weather in a few days and after that you will be able to enjoy the games.”
“As the saying goes, winning is not as important as taking part. I sincerely appreciate your spirit and enthusiasm in coming here to participate,” he said, wishing the players memorable moments and success in the tournament.
Despite the inclement weather, more than 5,000 schoolchildren and spectators from across the Kashmir division attended the vibrant opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed (Pardesi), Director General Youth Services & Sports Anuradha Gupta, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, and several other dignitaries and officials.
This year’s National School Games has drawn participation from 30 teams representing various States and Union Territories across the country, with matches scheduled to be played at six different venues.
The events include competitions in football, wushu, taekwondo, and table tennis.
The march past by 30 participating teams drew appreciation from the Chief Minister and applause from a large gathering of schoolchildren and spectators at the venue.
Players, coaches, and team officials also took the oath of sportsmanship, pledging to uphold the values of fair play, discipline, and teamwork.
Immediately following the ceremony, Omar Abdullah shared his appreciation on social media, writing, “I deeply appreciate the efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department for their comprehensive preparations and wish all participants great success.”
Meanwhile, in a high-voltage inaugural match of the football tournament, the host J&K team defeated Karnataka with a convincing score of 5-2.
Sahil was the top performer for the J&K team, scoring three goals, while Yasir and Basir contributed one goal each for the winning side. Vedant and Sufan scored one goal each for the Karnataka team.
Minister Satish Sharma who was also present on the occasion said that the athletes who have come from different parts of the country will know what Kashmir looks like and take that message back.
“These students will send a message that Kashmir is not what is portrayed in the media and that there is peace and security,” he said.
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