Rugby, Yogasana events draw hundreds to Pologround multisport complex in Srinagar

Sports help in creating healthier, happier community: Sarmad Hafeez

SRINAGAR, MAY 31: As a sequel to its concerted efforts of organizing sports activities in nook and corner of J&K, the Sports Council today hosted a series of events in many sports facilities of the Union Territory.

The day started with a Yogasana sports event which was held at Pologround multisport complex in Srinagar. The event was jointly organized by the J&K Sports Council and Directorate of Ayush J&K which was aimed to promote awareness about the benefits of yoga and a healthy lifestyle. On the occasion, yoga was performed by people from various backgrounds including students, professionals and senior citizens. The experts from the Directorate of Ayush gave valuable tips to the participants regarding the correct postures and breathing techniques involved in performing Yoga. The participants were also educated about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle.

The event was a huge success as it managed to bring people from different age groups together and promote the spirit of camaraderie. The participants were enthusiastic about the event and expressed their desire to make yoga a regular part of their daily routine.

Speaking about the event, Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, said that Yoga is an ancient practice that offers numerous benefits to the mind and body. It is an effective way to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and enhance overall wellbeing, he added.

Secretary said that the popularity of yoga has been on the rise in recent years, and the success of this event has encouraged us to plan more such events in future, creating a healthier and happier community besides helping spread the benefits of this ancient sport to a wider audience, she concluded.

Meanwhile the 15th J&K UT Level Rugby Tournament was organized by the J&K Rugby Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council. The main aim of the championship was to promote rugby in the region and provide a platform for aspiring players to showcase their talent.

The event hosted more than 800 participants including both females and males in different age groups. The district Srinagar remained the overall champions of the event. Applauding the efforts of the players, Muhammad Iqbal incharge of the venue encouraged the young athletes to continue with their hard work and dedication to achieve success at the national level.

The players who performed well in the tournament were awarded with trophies and the top performers were also selected for the national competition to be held in Pune later this year enabling a great opportunity for the players to showcase their skills at a higher level.

In the other events, district Ramban hosted Tug of War and Boxing Championship at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Banihal for students from adjoining schools of the area to unearth their athletic abilities and sportsmanship capabilities.

The competition included various track and field events while Tug of War competition was the main highlight of the event, with teams from different schools pulling in a winning cause.

The Judo Women Premier league being held in Sports Stadium Kathua under the My Youth My Pride programme concluded here today with more than seventy female players taking part in the finals of the competitions for nine age categories played during the day.

The medalists from the overall results in different categories comprised Vedanti Devi gold, Ishu Sumbria silver and Bani Preet Kour bronze in 40kg category while in 44kg category Sonakshi Devi gold, Komal silver and Kashika Verma bagged bronze medal. In the 48 kg category Sameena Akhter with gold, Ridhima Gupta with silver and Shiya with bronze featured among the medalists. In the 52 kg category Ishita Mahajan with Gold, Khwaish with Silver, and Mansi with bronze figured in the medalists while in 57 and 63 kg category Jimmo Devi bagged gold, Yashika silver and Vishali with gold), Manu with silver and Mehak with bronze respectively clinched the top spots. Similarly in 70kg and 78 kg category Tanvi and Deapasha with gold, Ritika and Deenakshi with silver and Madhumita and Diya with bronze respectively remained the overall winners.

While congratulating all the participants for their efforts, Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout and performance of the participants. She praised the efforts of Jammu division Sports Council team in conducting the event successfully. She urged upon the young athletes to continue their hard work and dedication towards sports, reiterating that J&K Sports Council is committed to promoting sports and nurturing the talent of young athletes wherever they are.

Meanwhile, many events in parts of Kashmir division were postponed due to inclement weather conditions and shall be held on new dates, said Sports Officer, Kashmir, Nuzhat Farooq.