SRINAGAR: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 67th National School Games in Football U19 and Volleyball U17 Boys at Bakshi Stadium on the occasion of UT Foundation Day.

15000 school Children from Kashmir Division and 2000 athletes from all over the country are participating in this mega sporting event, an official spokesman said.

This prestigious event is hosted by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the School Games Federation of India.

In his address, the Lt Governor conveyed his best wishes to participating sportspersons.

With 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and several SGFI-recognized boards participating, this event truly represents the diversity and inclusivity of India's sporting landscape, he said.

“Today, the tricolor is flying high in the international sports arena. Eminent sportspeople are emerging from small villages and towns, and they have achieved excellence in international sporting events with their spectacular performances,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the country is witnessing the resurgence of sports and a robust new sports culture. Our recent successes at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games have kindled high hopes for further transformation to achieve new heights in the Olympics with the remarkable performances of our athletes, he added.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to create a robust sports ecosystem and realize the true potential of Jammu and Kashmir in the sector.

J&K has made a new beginning with a sports and sports culture development plan with adequate infrastructure, introducing sports as an integral part of the educational curriculum, access to experts and outstanding coaching, and providing opportunities to talents across the UT, he said.

In the recently concluded Asian Para Games, promising archer Sheetal Devi from Kishtwar, J&K, has created a new history by winning three medals. It is our collective responsibility to identify talent like her and prepare new paths for their future, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor administered an oath to the participants to respect and abide by the rules of the sport in the spirit of fair play.

The gathering of sportspersons, youth, and officers at Bakshi Stadium also took the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ pledge on the occasion.

The tournament promises to showcase exceptional talent and sportsmanship. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Former footballer player from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Ishfaq Ahmed has been appointed as coach of the India Under-16 men football team.

A virtual meeting of the technical committee members of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was held on Thursday wherein the appointment of coaching staff for India's senior women's and men's under-16 team was discussed threadbare.

As per reports reaching here, the meeting was chaired by Chairman IM Vijayan and was attended by members Pinky Bompal Magar, Klamax Lawrence, former Jammu and Kashmir international footballers Arun Malhotra, Harjendra Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh.

Technical Committee Director Shabbir Pasha said that after a long discussion in the virtual meeting, Anthony Andrew was appointed as the head coach of the senior women's team.
Malhotra, as per reports suggested the name of former footballer Ishfaq Ahmed as the coach and the same was unanimously agreed upon by the members, said an official.
They said that Rajan Maini and Firoz Sharif were appointed as assistant coach and goalkeeper.

The senior women's team will play in the second round of the AFC Olympic Qualification from October 26 to November 1.
Apart from this, the Indian Under-16 football team will play SAIF Under-16 matches in Bhutan starting from September 1. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: First time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, five footballers from the Union Territory have been selected for Under-16 National camp to participate in the zonal selection trial for an upcoming SAFF Cup football tournament to be played at Bhutan.

Former Indian footballer and member of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Technical Committee, Arun Malhotra on Tuesday said that the trials are scheduled to be held from June 7 to 13 in Punjab. “The AIFF has selected two boys from each state,” Malhotar stated.

Malhotra, who himself supervised the trials, said that Jammu and Kashmir managed to secure five spots for talented players. The selected players from Jammu and Kashmir are Arnav Sharma, Krish Kerni, Abdul Salha Shear Gojri, Aayaan Bilal and Hashim Bilal.
He also lauded the role of Secretary J&K Sports Council for being supportive and playing a key role to bring football to new heights of glory.

Notably, the expenses related to the travel of the selected candidates will be borne by the J&K Sports Council through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Ex-International footballer, Ishfaq Ahmad, International Coach, Sajid Yousuf Dar, Educator, Javaid Ahmad, Arun Pal Jasrotia Certified scout and Satpal Singh, Coach were also the important role players in the selection trials.

“Our players are striving to bring glory to Jammu and Kashmir on the football field and several measures are in the pipeline for uplifting the game in Jammu and Kashmir,” said an official. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Sh Kalyan Chaubey, President All India Football Federation called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, today.

Sh Chaubey, accompanied by Dr Shahji Prabhakaran, Secretary General, AIFF discussed with Lt Governor the roadmap for Football activities in J&K.

The Lt Governor asked the AIFF officer bearers to set up at least one Centre of Excellence each in Srinagar and Jammu and organise capacity-building programmes for local referees so that they are eligible for officiating in bigger events like I-League etc.

The Lt Governor further asked the AIFF to include J&K in the panel of states and union territories that will host national level competitions, international and I-League matches on regular basis. 

AIFF should also come up with programme for promotion of women's football in the Union Territory and nurture them to excel at national and international competitions, he added.

Sh Kalyan Chaubey, President AIFF assured the support of AIFF in the development of football in the UT. AIFF is ready to work with all the stakeholders to help the youth of J&K to hone their abilities, he added.

Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services & Sports and Ms Nuzhat Gull, Secretary, J&K Sports Council were also present during the meeting.(GNS)