Srinagar, Oct 14 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir will host National School Games competitions in four sports disciplines, comprising nine events, with more than 3,500 athletes and officials expected to participate, Director General Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta said.

Gupta said the competitions, organised under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), will begin on October 15, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah scheduled to inaugurate the event at the Government College of Physical Education in Ganderbal.

She said Wushu and Taekwondo competitions will be held in Kashmir from October 15 to 27, while Fencing and Cricket events will take place in Jammu. The overall sporting programme will conclude on December 27.

Wushu competitions will be held in the Under-17 boys' and girls' categories, with around 450 to 500 athletes and officials expected to participate.

Taekwondo events will feature Under-17 and Under-19 boys and girls, drawing an estimated 800 to 1,000 participants.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In Jammu, Fencing competitions will be conducted in the Under-17 and Under-19 boys' and girls' categories, while Cricket will be held for Under-17 girls at Khel Gaon, Nagrota.

Gupta said the competitions would provide young athletes from Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to compete against participants from across the country and gain national-level exposure.

She said around 2,000 to 3,000 athletes from J&K were also expected to participate in National School Games hosted by other states and Union Territories between October and March-April.

Describing the extended sporting calendar as a festival of sports, Gupta said such competitions would help identify emerging talent and encourage greater participation in sporting activities.

She also urged media organisations to give wider coverage to the events to encourage students and aspiring athletes.(KNS)