STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar on Monday inaugurated week-long 48th Junior National Volleyball Championship for boys and girls at MA Stadium, here.
An impressive march-past by all the participating teams from different parts of the country in colourful dresses depicted the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ showcasing thereof 26 States/UTs (Total 52 teams in both boys & girls) representation in the championship.
The colourful cultural programme presented by students of various schools of Jammu including JK Public School Kunjwani was another attraction of the inaugural ceremony.
Vice-President Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) and Chairman Control Committee of the Championship, Vijaypal Singh, while welcoming the dignitaries, gave an overall view of volleyball standard in the country with special reference to all out efforts being made by the federation to promote the game in high standards.
Singh expressed his gratitude on behalf of Volleyball Federation of India to Volleyball Association of J&K, J&K Sports Council, J&K Government and all other stakeholders for their contribution in making this event a grand success after a gap of 14 years in J&K.
Amongst dignitaries Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police Jammu Zone and Chairman Special Organizing Committee, Pankaj Kumar Sharma-Excise Commissioner J&K UT, Nuzhat Gul-Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Anil Choudhary-Secretary General Volleyball Federation of India, Raj Daluja-Working President Special Organizing Committee and Patron-in-Chief Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir, Sidharth Daluja-President Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir, Chandan Kohli-SSP Jammu Member Special Organizing Committee, Subash Chibber-Director Youth Services and Sports, G.E Sridharan-National Volleyball Coach, Arjuna/Dronacharya Awardee, Presidents/Secretaries of different J&K Sports Associations, Members of J&K Sports Council, Sports Lovers etc were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, R.R Bhatnagar Advisor to LG J&K UT lauded the efforts of organizers, all J&K government departments, sponsors from the corporate sectors for their cooperation in this mega sports event wherein over 1000 players/officials all over the country are participating in the championship.
Bhatnagar urged the organizers to ensure participants are taken around various tourist spots of Jammu City which is popularly known as City of Temples. He called upon the participants to act as ambassadors on their return to respective areas to apprize the people about our culture heritage and peaceful atmosphere prevailing in J&K UT at present.
Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, while presenting a vote of thanks, appreciated the efforts of Volleyball Association of J&K as well as Volleyball Federation of India and various departments/corporations for their active involvement in this championship.
The Advisor and dignitaries were honoured by presenting mementoes as a token of love. The Advisor also kick started the matches by hitting the service.
The theme based Cultural Program/Quiz-Contest on Khelo India, Fit India Movement presented by the artists mesmerized the dignitaries on the occasion.
Today ‘s Results
BOYS SECTION: Gujarat Beat Madhya Pradesh by 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-20); Maharashtra beat Bihar by 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-13); Assam beat Jharkhand by 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-13 & 25-22)
GIRLS SECTION: Uttar Pradesh beat J&K by 3-1 (18-25, 25-13, 25-03 & 25-14); Haryana beat Madhya Pradesh by 3-0 (25-16, 25-14 & 25-07)
The Matches were in progress in all the six volleyball floodlit courts as per latest report poured in.