Sopore, Oct 07 (KNO): The first North Kashmir Women’s Sports Festival concluded at Government Degree College for Women (GDCW), Sopore on Wednesday.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) more than 900 athletes from 14 degree colleges and five higher secondary schools participated in the event.
The 3-day festival, which commenced on October 5, featured competitions across multiple sporting disciplines and provided young women athletes a platform to showcase their talent and competitive spirit.
The valedictory function was presided over by Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Kar stressed the importance of sports in developing the physical and mental well-being of young people.
He also appreciated the efforts of GDCW Sopore Principal Prof Subeena Chiloo and the organising team for conducting the festival successfully, describing the initiative as an important platform for encouraging girls to participate in sports.
Prof Chiloo, Principal GDCW Sopore, said the festival was organised with the objective of developing a strong sports culture among girl students in North Kashmir.
She said sports can empower young women, build confidence and contribute to their physical and mental well-being, while providing them opportunities to compete at wider levels.
Dr. Aadil Mohi-ud-Din, Head of the Department of Kashmiri and Media Secretary of the college, moderated the valedictory proceedings.
He said the festival brought together institutions from across North Kashmir and created a platform for young athletes to display their talent, discipline and competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, the concluding day witnessed finals in kabaddi, badminton and table tennis.
In the final, Government Degree College, Handwara defeated GDCW Sopore by nine points to emerge champions, while GDCW Sopore finished runners-up.
In the badminton final, Government Degree College, Sumbal defeated GDCW Baramulla 2-0 to claim the title, with GDCW Baramulla finishing runners-up.
In table tennis doubles, GDCW Sopore defeated GDCW Baramulla 2-0 to win the title, while GDCW Baramulla were runners-up.
In the table tennis singles final, GDCW Baramulla defeated Government Degree College, Baramulla 2-0 to emerge winners, with GDC Baramulla finishing runners-up.
The organisers said the festival has strengthened sporting ties among educational institutions and set a foundation for future editions aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports across the region—(KNO)