Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today declared open 37th Sub Junior National Softball Championship at MA Stadium, Jammu.
The championship has brought together 38 teams from 24 states, with over 1,000 players and technical officials participating in this prestigious event. The event is being organised by the J&K Softball Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council under the aegis of Softball Association of India.
The vibrant inaugural function featured captivating Dogri Sangeet performances, various sports demonstrations and a grand march past by the participating teams.
Speaking at the event, the Minister expressed his pride in J&K hosting a national-level championship of this magnitude. He congratulated the athletes and officials and emphasized the government’s commitment towards transforming J&K into a hub of sports excellence. “We are determined to provide young athletes with world-class infrastructure, coaching facilities and platforms to showcase their talent,” he remarked.
The Minister highlighted J&K’s rising status as a host of multiple national championships this year and assured the participants of the best facilities. “The youth of J&K are brimming with talent and their achievements in national competitions are a testament to their potential. We aim to provide more opportunities for them to excel,” he added.
The championship will continue till 24th December, exhibiting promising intense competition and camaraderie among young athletes from across the country.
The opening ceremony witnessed presence of Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General, Youth Services and Sports; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Rajeev Sharma, Member, J&K Sports Council; and several dignitaries and guests from participating states.