Governor N.N. Vohra inaugurated the 61st National School Games-2015-16 organized by the Directorate General, Youth Services & Sports, here at M.A. Stadium today. Mr. Imran Raza Ansari, Minister for Technical Education and Youth Services & Sports, was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.Welcoming the participants the Governor observed that there is tremendous sports talent among the boys and girls of the State and hoped that, with the availability of improved facilities and increasing opportunities, they will excel in all sports and games. He said that if their talents are nurtured and adequately groomed many of them shall make it to the national teams in all games and sports disciplines in the coming years.Referring to the 61st National School Games Cricket (U-17 yrs. Girls), the Governor observed that cricket lovers would get a very good opportunity to witness the paticipating teams in action in the coming five days.The Governor congratulated the School Games Federation of India and the J&K Youth Services and Sports Department for organising this Championship and hoped that this would further promote cricket, which has been a very popular game in the State.
Before declaring the Games Open, the Governor unfurled the School Games Federation of India Flag and released balloons, on this occasion. He took salute from the contingents of the players at an impressive March Past, which was followed by Oath Ceremony by the teams.Speaking on the occasion Mr. Imran Raza Ansari, Minister for Technical Education and Youth Services welcomed the participants and highlighted the achievements of the Department for promotion of sports activities in the State.The Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K is hosting “Cricket U-17 yrs. Girls” w.e.f 28th November -2nd December 2015 under the aegis of School Game Federation of India. 25 teams including 500 participants from across the India are participating in this event. The matches shall be played at M.A stadium, Jammu; University of Jammu; KC Public School, Jammu; and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra.Mr. Jahangir Mir, Director General, Department of Youth Services & Sports presented Vote of Thanks.