Jalandhar, April 23, 2018 : The 63rd National School Games Hockey (Under 19) male and female, today began with a great pomp and show as the Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Varinder Kumar Sharma and DPI (Schools) Paramjit Singh inaugurated this mega sporting event here at Surjit Hockey Memorial Stadium in Burlton Park.
The Deputy Commissioner and DPI after unfurling the flag of games, took salute from the impressive march past of the participating teams.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that it was a historic initiative by the state government to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive direction. He said that these games would act as a catalyst to groom the budding players for more competitions at national and international level. Sharma congratulated the Education department for hosting this mega event in the city, which was already known as sports hub in the country.
The Deputy Commissioner assured fulsome support and cooperation to the department for hosting these games. He said that the district administration would ensure comfortable stay for all the more than 1000 participants in the games from across the country. Sharma said that the district administration would ensure that these games prove to be a memorable event for the players, who were participating in it from all over India.
Meanwhile, in his address the DPI (Schools) Mr. Paramjit Singh also welcomed the students participating in the games. He said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction for them that Punjab was hosting this event after a gap of four years. Mr. Paramjit Singh said that 30 teams from across the country were participating in this sporting extravaganza to be concluded on April 27.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, DPI and Civil Judge (Senior Division) Gurmeet Tiwana were felicitated by the organizers. Earlier, the students of Nehru Garden School and Police Public DAV School enthralled the audience with the cultural items.
Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Civil Judge (Senior Division) Mr. Gurmeet Tiwana, Deputy Director Education Jaspal Singh, State Organizer of Sports Rupinder Ravi, District Education Officers (DEOs) Rampal Saini and Satnam Singh, Assistant Director Youth Services Captain Inderjit Singh Dhami, District Guidance Counselor Mr. Surjit Lal, District Sports Officer Vijay Kumar, Deputy District Education Officers Gurpreet Kaur, Harinder Pal Singh and Anil Awasthi besides others.