Launch of State-Level School Boys' Hockey Competition

Udaipur : The 68th State-Level School Boys' Hockey Competition for players under 19 years of age commenced today at PM Shri Government Fateh Higher Secondary School, Surajpol. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Paras Singvi, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal Corporation, as the chief guest. Kuldeep Sharma, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, presided over the event.

Other distinguished guests included Sadhvi Chinmaya Bharti from the Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan, Lokesh Bharti, District Education Officer (Secondary), Lakshman Salvi, Deputy District Education Officer (Physical Education), Dr. Govind Singh Rathore, the competition supervisor, Jagdish Sharma, city MLA representative, Kuldeep Singh Jhalla, member of the Hockey Olympic Committee and District Secretary, Kalu Gurjar, councilor representative, Dr. Dharmendra Singh Shaktawat, Secretary of Sports, Digvijay Singh Ranawat, coordinator of the selection committee, Dr. Bhairu Singh Rathore, State General Secretary of the Rajasthan Physical Education Teachers' Association, and lecturers Mahipal Singh and Shambhu Singh. The program was conducted by Yogendra Singh Bhati.

After the chief guest announced the opening of the sports competition, players took an oath to play with sportsmanship. Following the flag hoisting by the guests, balloons were released into the sky, and the competition was officially inaugurated by striking the ball with a hockey stick.

Chief guest Paras Singvi emphasized the importance of sports in life, stating that sports activities should always be alive. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi regularly invites national and international athletes to his office to encourage and support them, which is a source of great pride for players.

In his welcoming speech, the competition coordinator and principal, Chetan Paneri, highlighted the efforts to establish Maharana Pratap Sports University in Udaipur, aimed at promoting all types of sports. Digvijay Singh Ranawat, the coordinator of the selection committee, mentioned that a total of 43 teams from across the state are participating, with 764 players and 139 coaches and managers involved.

Sadhvi Chinmaya Bharti emphasized the importance of time management, focus on goals, and maintaining a steady mind to achieve objectives. The event commenced with the worship of Goddess Saraswati and a devotional song by the girls. The school family welcomed guests with traditional Mevad safas and shawls, along with commemorative gifts. Cultural performances and welcome songs by the girls added to the festive spirit.

Following the speeches, teams from across the state marched past while saluting the flag. Dr. Govind Singh Rathore addressed the inaugural ceremony, and Kuldeep Sharma provided the presidential address. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Dharmendra Singh Shaktawat, co-secretary of the competition.

The opening match between Churu and Dungarpur ended in a draw, while the host team, Fateh School Udaipur, made a spectacular start by defeating Bundi with a score of 19-0.