Fencing Championship Launched with a Focus on Promoting Genuine Youth Sports Talent
JAMMU: Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma today declared open the fencing championship at the University of Jammu as part of the 68th National School Games, which are being held across India.
This prestigious event has attracted promising players from all over the country, showcasing their skills in the under-14 boys and girls category. The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S), J&K, organized this event under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India.
Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting genuine sports talent while discouraging politicization, Minister Sharma assured that only deserving athletes will receive support and those misusing sports bodies for personal gains will face consequences.
The National School Games are significant platforms for school athletes to display their skills at a national level, gaining exposure, discipline, and building competitive spirit. The Minister stressed that these games encourage youth to adopt healthy lifestyles while contributing to the holistic development of their personalities.
Minister Sharma extended gratitude to parents, coaches, and sports teachers for their unconditional support, citing it as crucial in the success of such events. He commended the present dispensation's efforts to promote young talent and robust sports infrastructure in the state under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's leadership.
The Minister expressed hope that with Prime Ministerial and Lieutenant Governor support, J&K will usher in a new era of evolved sports culture with modern facilities, enabling players to perform better at national and international levels.
Satish Sharma highlighted the broader benefits of sports, including shaping well-rounded individuals, keeping youth engaged, and diverting them from the negative effects of excessive mobile use and sedentary lifestyles. Acknowledging progress made by YS&S, he noted that more work is needed to enhance the sports ecosystem in J&K.
YS&S Secretary Sarmad Hafeez congratulated the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports for successful completion of Wushu events, expressing confidence in organizing the remaining national championships.