Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, along with Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, inaugurated the National Aerobic Gymnastics Championship 2024-25 at the New Indoor Stadium, M.A. Stadium, Jammu.
Being organized by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Gymnastics Federation of India and the Gymnastics Association of Jammu & Kashmir, the event featured more than 500 athletes and officials from 20 states, union territories and boards.
Scheduled from January 10 to 13, the championship aims to promote youth engagement in sports and provide a platform for talent to shine at national and international levels. This initiative is part of the ‘My Youth My Pride’ and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaigns which is being organised for the third time in J&K.
While complimenting the organisers for hosting the championship, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed pride in hosting a national level sports event in J&K. He emphasized the importance of channeling youth energy into sports to combat societal issues such as drug abuse.
“The future of our region lies in our youth. By offering opportunities in sports, we can shape promising careers and inspire aspirations,” he remarked. He commended the organizers and extended his best wishes to all participants.
"Government is committed towards upgrading the sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, besides we are also actively taking initiatives to hone the talent of athletes, sports persons so that they can compete at national and international levels ", the Deputy Chief Minister maintained.
Advisor to CM, underscored the immense talent in Olympic sports within J&K, including gymnastics, water sports and martial arts. He expressed optimism that local athletes would excel in Asian and Olympic competitions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing Olympic sports by enhancing infrastructure, training, and coaching to establish J&K as a sports hub. Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, while speaking on the occasion, lauded the achievements of J&K gymnasts and assured full support for making the event a success.
Sudhir Mittal, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India, appreciated the J&K government’s unwavering support and commended the region’s infrastructure and talent development in gymnastics.
The function was also attended by Director General Youth Services and Sports, Rajinder Singh Tara, Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, Kiran Wattal, Vice President, GFI and President, Gymnastics Association of J&K, and other senior officers. The championship continues until January 13, promising a spectacular showcase of talent and athleticism.