The two-day Jammu division invitational Karate championship, organised by the Traditional Karate Association of Jammu and Kashmir ((TKA-J&K), concluded at the Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu on Sunday.
Around 250 students from different districts of the Jammu division participated in the championship and showcased their talent, discipline and sporting spirit.
Social activist and chairman, Samvedna Society, Keshav Chopra was the chief guest while Sanjay Kumar Tutoo, vice chairman, TKA-J&K and Ritika Slathia manager, Indoor Stadium, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu were the guests of honour.
Addressing the participants, Keshav Chopra congratulated the organisers, coaches and young karate players for successfully conducting the championship. He said that sports played a vital role in keeping youngsters physically fit, mentally strong and away from negative influences.
“Our message to the youth should be clear ‘Say no to drugs and yes to sports.’ Sports not only build physical strength and discipline but also give young people a positive direction in life. I appeal to parents, teachers, coaches and society to encourage children to participate in sports and develop their talents,” Chopra said.
He appreciated the Traditional Karate Association of J&K for providing a platform to young players from different districts and said that such sporting events should be organised regularly to promote a healthy and drug-free society.
Ritika Slathia appreciated the efforts of the TKA-J&K for organising the championship and providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their talent. She said that regular participation in sports would help children develop confidence, discipline and a positive attitude.
The championship was conducted under the technical supervision of Hanshi Naresh Chander, president, TKA-J&K while Hanshi Umesh Rekhi, general secretary, TKA-J&K, served as the referee chairman of the championship.
Aftab and Shashi Janotra were the directors of the championship.
The officials associated with the championship included Udhay Singh, Amin, Deepak Kumar, Pawan Choudhary, Dinesh Kumar, Adit Sadhotra, Tarika Jain, Sahil Jain, Digvijay Singh, Bharat Bhushan, Manohar Khokhar, Sam, Anirudh Tripathi and Neetu Devi, who contributed to the smooth conduct of the event.
The vote of thanks was presented by Sensei Bhawna Sadhotra, chairman, Women Commission, TKA-J&K.
