The 24th State-Level School Badminton Championship commenced with great enthusiasm and fervor on Thursday at the indoor stadium in Kandoliya, Pauri. Local MLA Rajkumar Pori and Chief Development Officer (CDO) Ashok Joshi inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Players from 11 districts across the state are participating in the tournament, which runs from October 22 to 24. Athletes from the Dehradun Sports Hostel are also taking part. The championship will feature exciting matches in the Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 boys’ categories. During the opening ceremony, the local MLA hoisted the flag and administered the sports oath to the participants. Subsequently, the MLA and the CDO officially opened the tournament by playing a friendly game of badminton. Their presence on the court boosted the morale of the players and brought a vibrant spirit of sportsmanship to the event. Students from GIC Pauri and Hills International School, Pauri, added to the occasion with engaging cultural performances. Anshul Bisht, the District Education Officer (Secondary) in-charge, welcomed the guests.
Encouraging the players, MLA Rajkumar Pori remarked that sports foster discipline, self-confidence, patience, and the capacity to persevere. Such school-level competitions provide a vital platform for young athletes to hone their talents, gain experience, and establish their presence at the state level. He noted that the government is consistently working to engage children and youth in sports, nurture their talent, and provide them with better opportunities for advancement.
He urged the players to compete with full enthusiasm and hard work, while upholding the spirit of sportsmanship, and to bring pride to their respective districts and the state through their performances. He also extended his best wishes to all the participants. Chief Development Officer Ashok Joshi emphasized that active participation in sports, alongside academic pursuits, is essential for the holistic development of students. Sports foster team spirit and discipline in children, boost their self-confidence, and inspire them to perform better in challenging situations. It was noted that while winning competitions is important, playing with true sportsmanship, respecting one’s opponents, and learning something new from every contest are equally significant. The players were encouraged to showcase their talent with complete dedication and a positive mindset, and to continue progressing in their sporting pursuits.
Present on the occasion were Om Prakash Jugran, a member of the State Farmers’ Commission, and Pramendra Singh Bisht, Additional Director of Education. Also in attendance were Anshul Bisht, In-charge District Education Officer (Secondary); Pradeep Kumar, District Sports Officer; Dr. Hira Singh Bisht, State Sports Coordinator; and Yogambar Singh Negi, District Sports Coordinator. The event was also attended by Baleshwar Prasad, Principal of DAV Inter College; Kesar Singh Aswal, District Scout Secretary; and Rajeev Rawat, District Sports Co-coordinator. Others present included Mridula Jugran, Varsha Kandari, Jaykrit Bhandari, Manohar Chamoli ‘Manu’, and Jaideep Rawat, alongside various players, teachers, coaches, and media personnel who had arrived from different districts.
