As part of Khelo India Sports initiative taken up by the Government of India on the theme "Peace and Development”, District Development Commissioner Baramulla Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash today formally kick-started Khelo India sports event here at Showket Ali Stadium.The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the young and old alike, and enthusiastic sportsmen arrived from different regions of the district to be part of the event.The first ever biggest sports initiative organised by District Administration in collaboration with District Youth Services and Sports shall mark the participation of over 600 teams wherein about 10,000 players shall participate in different sports events.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC lauded the participants and said that holding of such sports events is a step forward to give a platform to the budding players of the district and to encourage the sports culture for healthy society. He said that sports activities help in developing moral values besides inculcating the spirit of sports in the youth.Dr Naqash, who was the chief guest at the event described the physical activities as a vital part in the academic curriculum for the overall development and hoped that such activities would be continued in near future also. He further said that sports activities help the youth to channelize their energy in a positive way in building the spirit of brotherhood.Among others, SSP Mir Imtiyaz Hussain, Director Planning A G Malik, District and sectoral officers and various others concerned were present on the occasion.