STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The prestigious Jammu Sahodaya Schools Athletic Meet (U-19) Boys & Girls 2023-24 officially commenced on Thursday with a spectacular opening ceremony hosted by Sainik School Nagrota.
This three-day sporting extravaganza is taking place from October 26 to 28, 2023, at Maj Somnath Sharma PVC Stadium, and promises to be an exceptional showcase of young athletic talent.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Rajesh Rathore, President of Jammu Sahodaya Schools Complex (JSSC) and Principal of JK Public School, Kunjwani, Jammu, as the Chief Guest.
Accompanying him were the Guests of Honour: Dr. Vijay Puri, Academic Director of Shemford Futuristic School, Jammu; Dr. KCS Mehta, Academic Director of IDPS, Akhnoor; and KL Dogra, Principal of MV International School, Vijaypur.
The opening ceremony was marked by the warm welcome extended by Capt (IN) AK Desai, the Principal of Sainik School Nagrota, to the guests and participants. A colourful and inspiring march past was led by Cadet Arush Verma, the School Cadet Captain, setting the tone for the spirited competition ahead.
The lighting of the torch added a symbolic touch to the occasion, signifying the commencement of the games. Cadet Hardik Pandey, the School Sports Captain, administered the oath, emphasizing the spirit of fair play and respect for fellow competitors.
This year’s edition of the Jammu Sahodaya Schools Athletic Meet has brought together approximately 400 athletes from 20 CBSE-affiliated schools within the Jammu Sahodaya Schools Complex. These young athletes will compete in various track and field events, showcasing their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship.
Sainik School Nagrota, the host institution, enters the competition as the reigning champions. Their success in the previous edition of this meet, which was also hosted by Sainik School Nagrota in 2019, has set the bar high for the competing schools.
The first day’s events featured a series of exciting heats and finals. The track events included 200m, 400m, and 4x100m relay for girls, as well as the 800m and 3000m run finals for girls. On the field, athletes competed in Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus Throw, and the 5000m run final for boys.
Cadet Angel Choudhary of Sainik School Nagrota won gold in 3000 m run and Long Jump events for girls. Feeze ul Nisa of Doon International School stood second and Ridhampreet Kour of Unique International Public School stood third.
Cadet Peavel Rani won silver in Long Jump. In 800m run for girls, Cadet Nema Kunzes of Sainik School Nagrota clinched Gold and Cadet Stanzin Kunsal won Silver.
In Shot Put event for Girls, Vomika Sharma of JK Public School bagged Gold. The 200m run for Girls ended with Cadet Kriti Sharma winning Gold and Cadet Gouri Priya bagging Silver medal.
In Boys category, Cadets Harshdeep and Hardik Pandey of the host school opened the medal tally with Gold and Silver in Long Jump. Bronze was bagged by Master Digvijay Singh of JK Public School.
The highlight of the first day was school record breaking timings clocked by both Cadet Vibhum Pandey (14:35:75) and Cadet Harshit (15:41:38) in 5000m run fetching Gold and Silver for Sainik School Nagrota while Dev Singh Jamwal of IDPS Akhnoor stood Third.
In Triple Jump for Boys, Cadet Ikhlaq Hassan brought Gold for the host school while Cadet Ankit finished second with Silver.
In Shot Put for Boys, JK Public School Kunjwani dominated as Saksham Gupta and Faizal Akbar won Gold and Silver respectively. Cadet Nikunj Pratap Singh had to be content with Bronze.
Discus Throw witnessed Cadet Upkar Shukla lifting Gold, Saksham Gupta Silver and Cadet Sarthak Kumar Shukla Bronze.
As the Jammu Sahodaya Schools Athletic Meet (U-19) Boys & Girls 2023-24 unfolds over the next two days, it promises to be a remarkable showcase of athleticism and sportsmanship. The event brings together the youth of the region to foster a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie.