SRINAGAR, Sept 3: The 58th National school games football under-17 tournament has been inaugurated by the governor of Jammu and Kashir at the Bakhshi Stadium in capital Srinagar, officials say.
Around 27 teams from various States and organisations of the country are participating in this championship and will play matches for 5 days at several venues, they said.
The event has been organised by the sate’s department of youth services and sports under the aegis of School Games Federation of India.
With violence waning in Kashmir, where a systemic collapse marked two decades of conflict which killed tens of thousands, sports activities are picking up.
Earlier this year, one of India’s premier football clubs, Mohammadan Sporting Club, Kolkata, played two matches with the host team, both of which the latter won.
The event drew huge crowds with the police having had to use force to manage the rush of excited spectators.
“There is tremendous sports talent among the boys and girls of the state. With the availability of improved facilities and increasing opportunities, they will excel in all sports and games,” Governor Vohra said.
“Time has come for the youth of J&K to demonstrate their talents and bring laurels to the state in the various sports events at the national and international levels.”
Minister for sports, R.S. Chib was also present on the occassion.
