National School Games Hockey Tournament Kicks Off

Rohtak’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Narender Kumar, urged athletes to compete with genuine sportsmanship and avoid the use of intoxicants.

“Players should follow the rules of the game and play with the spirit of sportsmanship. Apart from team spirit, sports also brings discipline and self-confidence in one’s life,”  the ADC emphasized in his address to the participants. “In addition to fostering teamwork, sports instill discipline and self-confidence, which are crucial aspects of personal growth.” He made these remarks during the inauguration of the 68th National School Games Hockey (Boys and Girls) Under-17 Competition, organized by the Education Department at the Rajiv Gandhi State Sports Complex in Rohtak.

The event, which officially began today, has drawn an impressive participation of nearly 1,200 athletes from a wide array of states and Union Territories across India. These young sports enthusiasts have come together to compete in the 68th National School Games Hockey (Boys and Girls) Under-17 Competition. The competition is set to run until November 27, offering a week of intense sporting action where players will showcase their skills, sportsmanship, and team spirit. The large turnout highlights the significance of the event, drawing athletes from diverse regions who are eager to test their abilities on a national stage, representing their respective states and regions.

In preparation for the influx of players from all corners of the country, the Education Department, in collaboration with the district administration, has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth functioning of the event. These arrangements include providing accommodations, transportation, and necessary facilities to the athletes and their teams. With players traveling from long distances, the local authorities have worked diligently to ensure that their stay is comfortable and that all logistical needs are met, allowing the athletes to focus on their performances. These efforts are aimed at creating an environment that is conducive to competition, ensuring that the athletes are well-supported throughout the duration of the event.

“We will try to ensure that the players return with good memories of the competition,” said the ADC.

Rohtak District Education Officer (DEO), Manjeet Malik, extended a heartfelt welcome to all the guests present at the event, acknowledging their support and participation. During her address, she took the opportunity to provide a thorough overview of the competition, outlining the various aspects of the event and its significance for the region. She also emphasized the efforts made by the Education Department to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. To facilitate the athletes and ensure the competition runs efficiently, the department has established 10 dedicated monitoring teams. These teams are tasked with overseeing various logistical and operational aspects of the event, from player management to ensuring that all facilities and requirements are in place. The DEO’s speech highlighted the collaborative efforts made to create an organized and supportive environment for the athletes throughout the course of the competition.

Virender Malik, the Principal of DIET, spoke with great pride about the honor of hosting such a high-profile national-level competition in the district. He pointed out that it was a significant achievement for both the district authorities and the local community to be chosen to organize an event of this magnitude. The competition not only serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also brings attention to the district’s growing reputation as a hub for sports activities. Malik stressed that the local community was equally proud to witness the event and its impact on youth development and community engagement. He further highlighted the opportunity for the district to demonstrate its organizational capabilities, expressing that the event would leave a lasting impression on both participants and spectators, solidifying Rohtak’s role in promoting sports at the national level.

To celebrate the region’s cultural heritage, a series of cultural performances highlighting Haryanvi traditions were presented. Girl students, adorned in traditional Haryanvi attire—kurta-daman and chundari—showcased the state’s rich cultural history and accomplishments. Additionally, the Education Department organized an exhibition showcasing Haryana’s heritage, further enriching the occasion with insights into the state’s legacy.

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