Srinagar, 5th September 2023: The 52nd Senior National Men’s Handball Championship organized by J&K Sports Council in collaboration with J&K Handball Association under the aegis of Handball Association of India concluded in Sher-i Kashmir Indoor Stadium Srinagar here today.
The event witnessed massive participation with as many as thirty-two teams from states, union territories, and sports boards competing in the event.
Around seven hundred participants including fifty coaches and seventy referees were part of the championship.
The Haryana team put up an exemplary show all through the championship and bagged the gold medal while Railways settled for the silver medal. The hosts J&K and Gujrat bagged the bronze medal.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary presided over the closing ceremony as the chief guest. He was flanked by Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez; Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull; Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, Chief Accounts Officer; Muzaffar Hussain Wani, Divisional Sports Officer; besides other officials from various departments and Sports Council.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Mehta said that the sports culture in union territory is touching new heights with more and more youth taking to sports and saving themselves from the clutches of drug menace. Dr. Mehta said, “As a society, we must prioritize the health and integrity of sports culture over the temptation of drugs and create an environment where athletes can thrive on their talent, skill, fair play, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.” the chief guest added. He also said that the government is aiming to involve more than seventy-five lakh youth in sports activities during this financial year. “With meticulous planning, top-notch facilities, and fair competition, we aim to create an environment where athletes can truly shine. Our goal is not only to crown champions but also to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a sense of national pride”, Chief Secretary said. Dr. Mehta said that we are here to celebrate the exceptional abilities and dedication of our athletes as they vie for glory in these prestigious national championships.
The Secretary YSS, Sarmad Hafeez while interacting with the media said that we are committed to an augmentation of sports infrastructure, ensuring that it reflects in the massive sports activities happening both day and night. Hafeez said that sixty stadiums have been provided with lighting systems for round-the-clock sports activities. “The government is aiming at providing a state-of-the-art facility that caters to the needs of athletes, enabling them to train, compete, and excel at any hour”, said Sarmad Hafeez. “By investing in world-class venues and lighting systems, we guarantee that sports enthusiasts can enjoy their passion, push their limits, and embrace the thrill of the game, whenever they choose and it is through this unwavering commitment that we foster a vibrant and inclusive sports culture for all,” Sarmad Hafeez concluded.
The Secretary of Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull said that we are proud to announce our commitment to organizing national championships that showcase the finest athletic talent across our great nation. “These championships serve as a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level, pushing their physical and mental boundaries, and inspiring the next generation of sports enthusiasts,” Gull said.
Meanwhile, the 22nd J&K UT Squash Championship 2023 which was organized by J&K Squash Rackets Association in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council concluded in Squash Complex, Gindun Sports Complex Rajbagh Srinagar today
The Secretary of J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull presided over the function as the chief guest.
More than 438 players from different registered clubs and districts of Srinagar, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Udhampur, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam & Jammu participated in the five-day long championship.
The players from eleven districts participated in U-11 boys, U-13 boys and girls, U-15 boys and girls, U-17 boys and girls, U-19 boys and girls, youth U-21 boys, senior men, men over 35, and women categories.
