Governor N.N. Vohra declared open the two-day All India Yoga Sports Championship-cum-Festival Kashmir-2015 at Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex (SKISC) here today.The event has been organized by the Yoga Society of Kashmir under the auspices of J&K Sports Council. Twelve teams comprising 209 youth (boys & girls) from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Utterakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are participating in this Championship.First Lady Mrs. Usha Vohra, Minister for Public Works (R&B), Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, who is Chairman of the Yoga Society of Kashmir, and Minister for Information Technology, Technical Education and Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Imran Raza Ansari, were also present at the inaugural function.
Addressing the gathering the Governor complimented the organizers for this laudable initiative which, he said, will go a long way in providing an opportunity to the local population, particularly the youth, to become aware of the benefits of this centuries old practice of Yoga. He highlighted the importance of Yoga in our day-to-day lives, observing that it contributes to balanced mental and physical health.The Governor observed that the importance of Yoga has been noted world-wide after the December 2014 Session of United Nations General Assembly declared 21st June as the International Yoga Day at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recognizing the importance of Yoga the UN had unanimously adopted a Resolution, moved by India, and recognized the need to celebrate an International Yoga Day to spread awareness about the benefits of Yoga.
The Governor stressed the usefulness of Yoga Camps/Competitions being organized in each of the three regions, every year, to promote the practice of Yoga amongst the people. He said that there is no dearth of talent in the children of Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that they will be enabled to showcase their Yoga skills at the national and international level.The participants displayed their Yoga Kriyas/Aasnas and explained their benefits which were highly applauded by the audience.On the occasion, the Governor and the First Lady released a Souvenir on the activities of Yoga brought out by the Yoga Society of Kashmir and also gave away mementoes and prizes to the participants.Prominent among others present on the occasion included Director General of Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Jehangir Mir, General Secretary J&K Olympic Association, Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary J&K Sports Council, Mr. Javed Ahmed Shah, President J&K Yoga Association, Mr. Deepak Handa and President Yoga Society of Kashmir, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Dar.