Budgam, Aug 25 (JKNS): The District Budgam Fencing Association successfully concluded a two-day District Fencing Championship at RP School, Narbal, with enthusiastic participation from young fencers representing various schools, educational institutions, and sports clubs across the district. The championship aimed to promote the sport of fencing at the grassroots level, identify emerging talent, and prepare young athletes for Union Territory and national-level competitions.
The championship was inaugurated by Dr. Sareer Ahmad Mir (JKAS) as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished guests present were Dr. Alyas Mohammad, renowned social activists Mir Mukhtar Ahmad and Mir Shafi Ahmad, sports representative Mohammad Azmat, sports activist Abdul Rashid Khan, Organising Secretary of the District Budgam Fencing Association Inshah Jana, along with several other dignitaries.
At the beginning of the programme, the organisers extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, and all other distinguished guests, expressing their gratitude for their presence at the District Fencing Championship.
The two-day championship also witnessed the participation of several national-level fencers, coaches, referees, officials, and sports personalities. Young participants displayed remarkable skill, discipline, sportsmanship, and technical excellence during the competitions, earning appreciation from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. Sareer Ahmad commended the continuous efforts of the District Budgam Fencing Association in promoting the sport. He said that such competitions provide young athletes with an excellent platform to showcase their talent and create opportunities to compete at higher levels. He described sports as an effective means of keeping youth away from drugs and other social evils while nurturing discipline, self-confidence, leadership qualities, perseverance, and a positive outlook.
He urged students to actively participate in sports alongside their academic pursuits and appealed to parents to encourage their children to pursue games according to their interests, including cricket, football, hockey, badminton, fencing, and other sports. He added that the government is providing quality sports infrastructure, coaching facilities, and competitive opportunities to help young athletes realise their full potential.
Speaking on the occasion, Organising Secretary Inshah Jana thanked all the guests, national-level players, coaches, referees, officials, participants, and supporters for contributing to the success of the championship. She highlighted that fencing is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sports, comprising three disciplines—Foil, Épée, and Sabre—each with its own unique rules and techniques. She expressed confidence that the presence of national-level players would inspire young fencers and further strengthen the growth of fencing in Budgam district.
Other speakers also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that sports play a vital role in building a healthy society and engaging youth in positive activities. They called upon parents, teachers, and social organisations to motivate young people to participate in sports for their overall physical, mental, and moral development.
The event concluded with the organisers expressing gratitude to all guests, players, coaches, volunteers, school authorities, parents, and everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the championship. They reaffirmed their commitment to organising similar events in the future to provide young athletes with greater opportunities to excel at national and international levels.
The District Budgam Fencing Association is affiliated with the Jammu & Kashmir Fencing Association and is recognised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, the Fencing Association of India (FAI), and the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). (JKNS)
