Bandipora, August 29: The Bandipora Sports Advisory Board, in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, celebrated National Sports Day on Saturday at SK Stadium Bandipora, bringing together international and national-level athletes from the district along with schoolchildren.
The programme was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose contribution to Indian hockey is remembered on National Sports Day every year. The day also serves as an occasion to recognise the importance of sports and encourage young people to take up sporting activities.
The programme witnessed a cake-cutting ceremony and a gathering of athletes, budding sportspersons and schoolchildren, creating an opportunity for young participants to interact with and draw inspiration from accomplished athletes from Bandipora.
Padma Shri awardee Faisal Ali Dar, President of the Bandipora Sports Advisory Board, was present on the occasion along with Mr. Farooq Ahmad, Vice President of the Board, and employees of the J&K Sports Council.
Addressing the gathering, Faisal Ali Dar said the presence of young faces participating in different sporting activities was an encouraging sign for Bandipora. He said the growing participation of children in sports shows that the district is moving in the right direction and expressed confidence that these young athletes will bring laurels to Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir and the country in the future.
Vice President Farooq Ahmad appreciated the young participants and encouraged them to pursue sports with dedication. Referring to athletes from Bandipora who have won medals at international competitions, he told the children that they too can reach such levels if they remain focused, disciplined and follow the right path.
The celebration also provided the children with an opportunity to enjoy the occasion beyond the sporting activities. The young participants took part in the celebrations with enthusiasm, had fun and enjoyed the day alongside athletes and sports personalities.
The event highlighted the growing participation of children and young athletes in sports across Bandipora and reinforced the message that sporting excellence can be achieved through dedication, discipline, hard work and consistent participation.
National Sports Day is observed across India every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand and to recognise the contribution of sportspersons while promoting sports and physical activity among people, particularly the younger generation.
