DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
jammu, Oct 18
Jammu: The STAIRS Foundation, recognized as a National Sports Promotion Organisation (NSPO) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, hosted the District Youth Games Prize Distribution Ceremony at the Police Auditorium in Jammu, in collaboration with Jammu Police. The event, aimed at promoting sports activities from the grassroots level, saw the participation of over 400 young students in various sports and cultural activities, including tennis ball cricket, karate, yoga, badminton, art and craft, dance, and music.
Anand Jain, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, and Shiv Kumar Sharma, IPS, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, graced the occasion as the Chief Guests. Joginder Singh, SSP Jammu, was the Guest of Honour, while Sidharth Upadhaya, National President of STAIRS, attended as the Special Guest. The event was presided over by Rahul Sahai, Chairman of the State Development Board (SDB) of STAIRS J&K, along with key Governing Council members, including Samar Dev Charak- Editor in Chief of Dogra Herald Newspaper, Chaitanya Chowdhary, Atul Hans, Ashish Jain, and Sidharth Dogra, Puneet Arora, Raj Dua and Shantnu Gupta.
Rahul Sahai, in his welcome address, expressed immense pride in the collaboration between STAIRS and Jammu Police, noting that the partnership strengthens community bonds and provides a platform for youth to showcase their talents. In his speech, he said It is with immense pleasure and pride that I welcome each one of you to this prestigious prize distribution ceremony. This event, in collaboration with the Jammu Police, holds special significance, as it not only recognizes the hard work and achievements of our young students but also highlights the strong bond between the community and law enforcement in fostering a better future for our youth.
Rahul Sahai acknowledged the remarkable initiatives undertaken by Sh. Anand Jain and the Jammu Police to keep the youth away from drugs, stating that the ‘Drug-Free Jammu’ campaign sets a strong example for the community. He also extended his appreciation to Sh. Shiv Kumar Sharma and Sh. Joginder Singh for their support in creating a safe environment for youth development. The students and their families were commended for their dedication and perseverance.
Anand Jain, ADGP Jammu, and Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu, Joginder Singh SSP Jammu , congratulated the students on their achievements, emphasizing the crucial role of sports in keeping children engaged and away from the dangers of drug abuse. They highlighted that sports teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which are essential in shaping the future of the youth.
Sidharth Upadhaya, National President of STAIRS, spoke about the organization’s commitment to grassroots sports and youth development. He mentioned that STAIRS, recognized with the prestigious Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar by the Hon’ble President of India, has been dedicated to empowering India’s youth through sports since 2000.
He further added: “Constructive use of time and discipline is a major characteristic of any sportsperson. Patience, discipline, and resilience enable students to cope with criticism and setbacks, which are important life lessons.”
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of several other distinguished members of STAIRS, including Sh. Puneet Arora, Sh. Kapil Dev (Cultural Head), and Sh. Gulshan Rattan, Chief Sports Coordinator. Their dedicated efforts in coordinating the event, along with a team of officials and coordinators, ensured the success of the games. Students showcased their talents across various categories and were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals for their outstanding performances.
The STAIRS District Youth Games were conducted under the leadership of Sh. Rahul Sahai, and coordinated by Sh. Gulshan Rattan, with active support from coordinators Sh. Ravi Thakur, Sh. Kartik Sharma, Sh. Abhilove Thakur, and others. The event concluded with a sense of pride and accomplishment, encouraging students to continue striving for excellence both in sports and in life.
In closing remarks, Samar Dev Charak congratulated the students and urged them to keep working towards a bright future, emphasizing the importance of sports as a way to stay disciplined and motivated. He also acknowledged the parents’ role in their children’s success and encouraged everyone to work together to create a safer, drug-free future for the youth.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sports in youth development and community building, and the continued efforts of STAIRS and Jammu Police in fostering a positive and healthy environment for the region’s young talent.
