Age is just a number and living true to this adage many senior citizens both men and women assembled in Pologround Sports Complex Srinagar and K. K Hakhu Astro Turf Jammu under the ‘Sports for All’, initiative of J&K Sports Council to celebrate the spirit of “golden age”.
Appreciating the motivation and enthusiasm of the participants towards the sports event organized by J&K Sports Council for elderly, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Department of Youth Services and Sports said that the response of veterans is very praiseworthy and that sport has no age barrier and a little spark and motivation is enough to keep the passion going.
Nuzhat Gull, Secretary J&K Sports Council said that the events like these are a great stress buster and she was sure that each participant after going back to their respective homes will be all fresh and rejuvenated.
She also said that the Sports Council in its pursuit to encourage healthy lifestyle shall follow with more such events in future. The event is being held under the government's special initiative for senior citizens and in future similar events under "Har Din Khel, Har Ek Ke Liye Khel '' vertical shall be held across J&K, she added.
Bashir Ahmad Bhat Joint Secretary J&K Sports Council presided over the function in Kashmir as chief guest and interacted with participants including people from all walks of life besides employees of Sports Council, YSS and some prominent businessmen.
Speaking on the occasion, Bashir Ahmad appreciated the role played by both divisional sports offices for putting up a decent yet grand show for veterans of the society.In the events held in Kashmir division Farooq Ahmad, Abdul Majeed Bhat and Abdul Rasheed bagged first three positions in 400 Meter race for above 50 years while as in similar race in 600 Meter Mohammad Iqbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar and Mohammad Altaf Chopan clinched first three positions respectively.
In the Tug of War category for women team Red led by Nuzhat Farooq triumphed over team Blue and similarly in men category team Blue prevailed over team Red.The chief attraction of the event in Srinagar was the traditional Hopscotch-Saz Loung which was very nostalgic as expressed by many participants especially females and they demanded that Hopscotch events all exclusive for senior citizens should be organized sooner than later.
Among others present on the occasion in Kashmir included Nusrat Gazala Divisional Sports Officer (C), Executive Engineer CDK Abdul Rasheed, Divisional Sports Officer (K), Officers from Youth Services and Sports, Prof. Bashir Ahmad former member Sports Council and employees of Sports Council and YSS.