SOPORE, OCTOBER 5: The first ever North Kashmir Women’s Sports Festival commenced today at Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, Sopore, with around 900 athletes from 14 Degree Colleges and 5 Higher Secondary Schools participating in the three day mega event.
Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Ram Nivas Sharma, inaugurated the festival while Secretary in Higher Education Safqat Iqbal and SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib were the guests of honour. Principal GDC Women Sopore Prof. Subeena Chiloo was also present.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with an Izband ceremony presented by the students of the host college, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner said that sports play a vital role in holistic development of students by promoting discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership qualities. He appreciated the initiative of organising the first-ever North Kashmir Women’s Sports Festival and lauded the participation of athletes from Degree Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools across North Kashmir.
Ram Nivas Sharma encouraged the participating athletes to make the most of the opportunity, compete with dedication and sportsmanship and continue striving for excellence in their respective disciplines.
Secretary in Higher Education and SSP Sopore also appreciated the initiative and the efforts put in by the host institution for providing a platform to young women athletes from across North Kashmir.
The occasion also witnessed release of the college’s Bi-Annual Newsletter and Annual College Magazine, MEHAK.
Around 900 athletes representing 14 Degree Colleges and 5 Higher Secondary Schools are participating in the festival and will compete in seven different sporting disciplines over the next three days.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmad Bhat, Physical Director and Sports Coordinator, presented a detailed note on the structure and significance of the festival.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Principals of Degree Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools from North Kashmir, Physical Directors, faculty members, athletes and members of the media fraternity.
