Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 20: First ever Sports Festival, organised by Global Solace under the banner of Rising Athletes of Jagti and supported by Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, commenced at Jagti Migrant Mini Township, here today.
Hundreds of children, youth and their families joined the inaugural ceremony. Prof Ashok Aima, VC, Central University of Jammu was the chief guest. The festival will see children and youth participate in games of Badminton, Football, Volleyball, Chess, Carrom, Art and Power Lifting among others. The much needed sports carnival that migrant children and youth have been only dreaming about, is in fact dream come true.
Lauding the effort of organizers, Prof Aima said that such an event will give hope to children and channelize their energies into constructive way. He also assured of support to these activities. Kiran Wattal, convener Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj and chief patron Global Solace, the sports activities will improve mental health of children and also bring out hidden sports talent among the youth of the township. The fest is likely to set a precedent and become a regular affair in coming years.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Pintoo ji Pandita and among those who spoke included Prof B L Zutshi, M K Yogi, Prem Sharma, Sanjay Tickoo, M K Bangroo, Behari Kak, Kuldeep Thusoo, R K Tikoo, AK Sadhu, R L Bhat, Kuldip Luthra, Ashok ji Dazy, and Priya Bhat. The program started by a welcome address by Sonali Garoo and concluded by vote of thanks by Amit Dhar. The program was coordinated by Surinder and Vijay Raina.
The initiative has got positive response and appreciation from several eminent citizens and groups. Dr Agnishekhar, noted activist and poet, has called upon the whole Kashmiri Pandit community to join the effort and support it.
Sahil Pandita, president of the sports committee overseeing the arrangements and organization of this carnival thanked people for their support.
The organizers also expressed thanks to J K Bhoomi, Sahil Notebook, Sai Traders, Lepsquard Group, Kashmir as it is, KP Startup , Canom and others for their support to the festival.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
