Excelsior Sports Correspondent
KATRA, Nov 23: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Katra, organized 8 km Mini Marathon, under the theme ‘Fitness First and Forever’, here.
1635 students under three categories of Sr Boys, Junior Boys and Junior Girls participated with enthusiasm and spirit in this sporting extravaganza.
Earlier, the participating troops were flagged off by Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer from Central Office SMVDSB, Katra.
The sportspersons while passing through the areas of Kundororian, Railway Crossing, Katra Panthal road, Asia Hotel Chowk, culminated at Spiritual Growth Centre.
The participating students represented Government as well as private institutions.
A large number of prominent citizens of Katra including Varinder Kesar, president Hotels and Restaurant Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma, president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Rakesh Wazir, Ashok Kumar, Director Sports SMVDSB, Dr Swaran Singh Chib, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Reasi were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, in Senior Boys Section, Shaku Dogra of Govt High School, Sirla Bagha bagged gold; Farooq Ahmed, Govt High School, Sirla Bagha claimed silver, while Ankush Sharma, Shishu Vidya Niketan, Katra clinched bronze.
In Girls Section, Riya Manhas, Amba Kids, Panthal clinched gold, while the silver and bronze went to Hamida Bano, Govt Middle School, Panthal and Mansi Prashar, Amarjyoti Public School, Katra respectively.
In Junior Boys, Sarthak, Delhi Public School, Kakryal won gold, Harshit, Delhi Public School, Kakryal got silver and Kanwar Singh, Delhi Public School, Kakryal claimed bronze.
The programme was conducted under the supervision of Director Sports, SMVDSB Katra who also extended vote of thanks to the chief guest, all distinguished guests and school children and their staff.
The contribution made by Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi for his assistance to conduct the Marathon smoothly and successfully was also lauded.
Amidst warm reception, all the participants were received by the chief guest in the company of senior citizens.
The peculiarity and the most appreciable part of the event was that each participant in boys and girls section successfully completed the Marathon, giving real example of their will power, strength, endurance, confidence and sportsmanship.
The position holders were honoured by the chief guest in a well attended and well organized ceremonial function. Besides Merit certificates the position holders were given winning trophies and roses.
While addressing the gathering, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari said such events provide opportunity to youth to hone skill, adding that the endeavour of the Shrine Board under the chairmanship of Governor NN Vohra is a step forward in tapping talent at grass-root level.
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