Minister for Health and Medical Education Bali Bhagat today inaugurated IInd phase of State level Football Tournament “Khelo Sehat ke Liya” (Play for Health) Football Tournament here at GGM Science College Ground, Jammu.The tournament being organized by Health Department in collaboration with J&K Football Association and sponsored by J&K State Sports Council aims at to boost sports activities and channelise the energy of youth of the state in positive direction.The inaugural match was played between GGM Science College and MAM College.Speaking on the occasion, Bali Bhagat appreciated the organizer and said that the sports play an important role in the development of physical fitness of the youth. He exhorted upon the youth to vigorously participate in co-curricular activities.Briefing about the tournament, the Minister said that its first phase was held in Kashmir Province wherein 24 colleges participated and matches were played at Srinagar, Bandipora, Baramulla and Anantnag districts.He informed that Degree college Anantnag, Degree College Ganderbal, Degree College Sopore and Islamia College have emerged winner in Kashmir Province.
In the same manner, the matches would be played here Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri and Kishtwar, he said adding the colleges of these districts will lock horns with each other and in the same manner four teams will emerge winner in Jammu province. The final of the tournament will be held in Srinagar, he added.He said the aim is to engage the youth of the state particularly college students in sports so that their energies are channelized in right directions. “ Also, the idea is to promote the game of football in every nook and corner of the state” he informed.Earlier, Project Director, J & K State AIDS Control Society, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather- the State level Nodal Officer presented the welcome address.Among others present were Principal Government Medical College Jammu Sunanda Raina, Registrar Academics Yash Paul, Mission Director, NHM, S. Mohan Singh, Principal Science College, S. Satinder Singh besides President JK Football Association Z. A Thakur, Sr. Vice President JKFA Prof. B. A. Shah, Joint Secretary Sports Council Jammu Shiv Kumar Sharma besides sports persons in large number.