Jammu, November 27: The Yonex-Sunrise 36th Sub-Junior (U-13) National Badminton Championship-2024 was officially inaugurated today by the Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology, FCS&CA, Transport, IT, ARI & Training, Satish Sharma, at the Indoor Sports Complex, M.A. Stadium, Jammu. The prestigious championship has been organized by the Badminton Association of Jammu & Kashmir in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council and under the auspices of the Badminton Association of India.
MLA Chander Parkash Ganga, who is also the President of the J&K Badminton Association, was the guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony.
In his address, Minister Satish Sharma highlighted the vital role of sports in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the youth. He emphasized that sporting events like this not only encourage physical fitness but also contribute significantly to the holistic development of young athletes. “The government is committed to promoting young talent and building a robust sports infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir,” the Minister stated. “We are focused on providing our youth with the opportunities, facilities, and support they need to excel.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to nurturing genuine sports talent, the Minister assured that deserving athletes would be provided with all necessary support to help them reach their full potential. He expressed hope that, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu & Kashmir would enter a new era of evolved and advanced sports culture, equipped with modern and state-of-the-art facilities.
Minister Sharma also took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the parents, coaches, and sports teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement of young athletes. “Their dedication and hard work play a crucial role in the success of events like these, and in shaping the future of our athletes,” he remarked.
The Minister further commended the Badminton Association of Jammu & Kashmir for successfully organizing the championship, and praised the role of the J&K Sports Council in fostering sports talent in the region. He emphasized that sports instil essential values such as leadership, discipline, and perseverance, which contribute not only to athletic success but also to personal growth.
The 36th Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship will run from November 27 to November 30, 2024, and features approximately 400 athletes and officials from 31 states and Union Territories across the country. All participants, along with their teams and officials, are being provided free lodging, transportation, and meals for the duration of the event.
The championship is being held at two venues: the Police Lines Badminton Hall and the Indoor Sports Complex at M.A. Stadium. This large-scale event promises to showcase some of the brightest young badminton talent in India, further contributing to the growth of the sport in Jammu & Kashmir.