Principal Secretary, Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Alok Kumar, declared open YSS Cup 2021 in an impressive, colourful and well attended function at Khel Gaon, Nagrota here today.Nearly, 9076 Panchayat/Block teams drawn from all 20 districts of the Union Territory in four sports disciplines namely Cricket, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Volleyball have been registered for this historic rather first of its kind sporting extravaganza, which will make around one lakh and twenty thousand athletes to vie for the top honours.Director Youth Services and Sports, Gazanfar Ali, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Kashmir, Bashir Ahmed and Deputy Director, Jitender Mishra and other officers were present on occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary emphasized upon the organisers for ensuring mass participation of the Panchayati teams in this mega event.He said sportspersons are the messengers of peace, prosperity and harmony and big sports events like this, apart from helping youth to hone their sporting skill, also helps them to not to derail from the mainstream and stay away from drugs and other allied social evils.Principal Secretary said that Government was committed to promote sports in every nook and corner of the Union Territory and enhance sports culture by raising infrastructure even at the village level.
He said that almost every available ground in the UT will be utilised for holding matches of this sporting gala.Principal Secretary further said that it is always a delight to watch young and budding sportspersons vying for the top honours, however, watching young athletes performing while bearing chill and inclement weather conditions in such events in Valley, speaks volumes.He said such events serve as a launching pad for the youth to be ready for future endeavours and become nation builders.Director Youth Services and Sports while lauding efforts of all 20 District Youth Services and Sports Officers, who observed the opening ceremony on virtual mode and simultaneously started the event at their respective venues, said that all of them deserve appreciation for doing the job in a befitting manner.In the end, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports gave brief report of activities and achievements of the Department and presented vote of thanks.Earlier, Principal Secretary and other dignitaries lighted the ceremonial lamp which was followed by the March Past and Oath Ceremony by the players.The ceremony ended with declaration of YSS Cup open by release of balloons, toss of coin and playing a few balls by the chief guest.Meanwhile, Principal Secretary also flagged off trekking contingents of RS Pura, Akhnoor and Gandhi Nagar Zones for Reasi, Sunah and Surinsar respectively.