Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today inaugurated the 60th National School games here at Mata Jaswant Kaur Memorial School. About 1200 players from schools across the country were participating in this sporting extravaganza to be held till December 13. The Chief Minister unfurled the flag of the national games and took the salute from an impressive march past of the players from the 28 states, who were led by the band of Mata Jaswant Kaur Memorial School. Basket ball player Ms. Lakshdeep Kaur administered the oath of sportsmanship to the players and a cultural program was also held on the occasion.
In his address the Chief Minister exhorted the students to play these games with full sportsmanship. He said that selected students from the schools across the country were participating in this tournament adding that these students would serve the country in various capacities in the coming years. Underscoring the need of sports along with education, Mr. Badal said that only a healthy person could fulfill every responsibility in an apt manner. Earlier addressing the gathering, Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the state government had taken path breaking initiatives for promoting sports in the government schools adding that major thrust has been laid on the infra structure development of sports.
He said that a special policy has been made for encouraging the students to join sports at a tender age, so that they could excel in sports later. Dr. Cheema said that due to the persistent efforts of the state government the mother game of Punjab- Kabbadi has got recognition across the world level. Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the balance payment of paddy procurement would be soon issued to the farmers. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included MLA Malout Mr. Harpreet Singh, Principal Secretary School Education C Raul, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh.