Kulgam, Oct 3 (KNS): Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday stressed the importance of empowering girls through education, sports, skill development and awareness.

She was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative for top-performing teams of various girls' sports tournaments and NEET qualifiers of Kulgam district at Government Degree College, Kulgam.

The ceremony was organised by the Social Welfare Department, Kulgam, in collaboration with the Sports, Higher Education and other departments of the district administration to celebrate the achievements of girls in sports and academics and promote women empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, Itoo emphasised the need to create greater awareness among women and girls about various government schemes and welfare initiatives being implemented by different departments for their benefit.

She said participation in sports helps girls develop confidence, discipline, leadership qualities and teamwork while providing them opportunities to showcase their talent at different levels.

Director General ICDS Sajad Hussain Ganie, DPO Zaheer Ahmad Kaifi, ACR Kulgam Reyaz Ahmad Shah and District Social Welfare Officer Kulgam Rameez Ahmad Ganie also addressed the gathering and spoke about women empowerment, education, sports participation and initiatives available for women and girls.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The programme was attended by girls, officials, sports personnel, students and other stakeholders. The speakers appreciated efforts to provide girls with opportunities in sports and education and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with confidence.

During the felicitation ceremony, medals and trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up of girls' basketball, volleyball, football, cricket and badminton tournaments organised at the inter-block and inter-municipality levels under BBBP in the district.

Twenty girls from Kulgam district who qualified NEET were also felicitated with certificates.

Earlier, the Minister inaugurated the Inter-District UT-Level U-17 Girls Netball Tournament at Shri Nazir Ahmad Wani Higher Secondary School, Kulgam.

The tournament, organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and hosted by YSS Kulgam, is witnessing participation of eight districts of the Union Territory, providing young sportspersons an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain competitive exposure.