It brings an ecstatic feeling in the minds of the people to see the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir flourishing in the field of sports and games and carving space on the country’s sports map.This was stated by Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Manoj Dhar, while addressing the valedictory function of the 65th National School Games Under-14 and Under-17 Boys and Girls in the discipline of Sqay Martial Art at Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu here today.Jammu and Kashmir emerged as the overall winner in the event, with a total of 37 medals including 6 gold, while Maharashtra and Delhi bagged 2nd and 3rdspot, with 26 and 16 medals, respectively.While congratulating the participating contingents for visiting the Union Territory and showcasing their sporting skills, Prof Dhar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the mega events like this, apart from providing ample opportunity to the young sportspersons to hone their talent and bring laurels, also helps them to appreciate culture of their counterparts from the other parts of the country.Appreciating the Sqay demonstration presented by top players of the country, the Vice Chancellor made a special mention of President Awardee in Sqay Martial Art, Angel Devkule of Maharashtra.He said J&K Government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting sports culture in the Union Territory.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, DG Sports highlighted the achievements of the Department during the year 2019-20.He said that for Centre as well as for J&K Government, sky is the limit for providing funds and other allied assistance in raising infrastructure to improve the standard of sports and games in the Union Territory.The DG Sports further said that J&K has won record haul of medals in the 65th National School Games 2019-20.The other guests present on the occasion were Prof Daud Iqbal, Director Sports University of Jammu; Ranjeet Kalra Ace Sports Administrator and Joint Directors of YS & Sports for Kashmir and Jammu Provinces. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir emerged as the overall winner, with a total of 37 medals including 6 gold, while Maharashtra and Delhi bagged 2nd and 3rd spot respectively with 26 and 16 medals respectively.In Under-14 boys, J&K bagged 1st position, Delhi second and Maharashtra 3rd, while in Under-17 girls, J&K clinched 1st, Maharashtra 2nd and Punjab 3rd.In Under-17 boys, J&K emerged winner, Maharashtra 1strunners-up and Delhi 2nd runners-up, while 1st, 2nd and 3rd spot in Under-17 girls went to J&K, Maharashtra and Odisha, respectively.Saniya Manzoor of J&K was adjudged best player in Under-14 girls, while Thivagar of Andaman and Nicobar was declared as the best player in Under-14 boys.In Under-17 boys, the best player award was bagged by Nashia Begum of Odisha, while Hazim of J&K was declared best player in Under-17 boys.