Sopore, Oct 07: The first North Kashmir Women Sports Festival concluded at Government Degree College for Women, Sopore, on Wednesday, with more than 900 athletes from 14 degree colleges and five higher secondary schools taking part in the three-day event held from October 5.
Organisers called it one of the largest inter-institutional sporting gatherings ever held in the region.It was inaugurated by Ram Nivas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, along with Secretary Higher Education Shafqat Iqbal and SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib.
The valedictory function was presided over by Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Sopore, as chief guest. Prof. Subeena Chiloo, Principal of the college, presented the welcome address and an overview of the event. She stressed the need to build a sports culture among girl students in North Kashmir, saying sports can empower young women and promote physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmad Bhat, Organising Secretary and Director, Physical Education and Sports, presented the festival report. Dr. Murtaza Geelani, Staff Secretary of the college, was present on the dais.
On the final day, kabaddi, badminton and table tennis finals were played. In the kabaddi final, GDC for Women Sopore took on GDC Handwara. GDC Handwara won by nine points. The match was officiated by Mr. Fayaz Ahmad, Mr. Mohd Yaseen, Mr. John Mohd, Mr. Mohd Ashraf, Mr. Naveed Ahmad and Mr. Shabir Ahmad.
GDC Sumbal beat GDC for Women Baramulla 2-0 in the badminton final. The match was officiated by Dr. Tajamul Islam, Dr. Tariq A. Sheikh, Mr. Shabir A. Majeed, Mr. Mohd Yaseen and Mr. Fayaz Ahmad.
In the table tennis doubles final, the GDC for Women Sopore duo beat GDC for Women Baramulla 2-0. Dr. Tajamul Islam, Dr. Asif Tantray and Mr. Shabir A. Majeed officiated. In the singles final, GDC for Women Baramulla beat GDC (Boys) Baramulla 2-0, with the same panel of officials overseeing the match.
A valedictory function was held after the games, moderated by Dr. Aadil Mohi-ud-Din, Head of the Department of Kashmiri and Media Secretary of the college. Dr. Aadil Mohiuddin welcomed the guests with recitation of urdu poetry. Prof. Chiloo thanked participants, organisers and supporters.
MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar addressed the athletes and stressed the role of sports in shaping the physical and mental health of young people. He praised Prof. Chiloo for organising the event.
The function was attended by principals of several colleges from North Kashmir, including Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmad Parray (GDC Dangiwachi), Dr. Shaheena Shawl (GDC Sumbal), Prof. Tariq Ahmad Wani (GDC Hadipora), Prof. Abdul Majeed Chalkoo (GDC Uri), Prof. Rehana Abdullah (GDC Boma) and Dr. Aijaz A. Kant (GDC Handwara). Dr. Syed M. Geelani presented the vote of thanks.
Trophies were given to winners and runners-up, and certificates to athletes, referees, technical staff and organising committee members. The organisers thanked Lazzat Spices Sopore, the Higher Education Department, UT of J&K and others for their support.
The Higher Education Department praised the event for its organisation and participation. The organisers said the festival would provide a basis for holding similar sporting events in future. The event was sponsored by Lazzat Spices Sopore.
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