Srinagar, Oct 04: The Doon School HMT Srinagar came alive with a vibrant display of sportsmanship and athleticism as it celebrated its Annual Sports Day, with great fervor. Dev What More, former Cricket Coach of Australia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding prestige to the event. The day witnessed the inauguration of new sports facilities and the participation of dignitaries from the sports and educational spheres.
The event kicked off with the General Officer Commanding (G.O.C) of Northern Command inaugurating the state-of-the-art Synthetic Roller Skating, Roll Ball, and Basketball courts, further enhancing the school’s sports infrastructure. Adding to the excitement, Dev What More inaugurated the brand-new Water Park, providing students with an exciting addition to their recreational options.
Among the prominent dignitaries present were Showkat Khan, Chairman of Doon School, who graced the event with his presence, and A. Kamali, the school’s principal, along with Ms. Novsheen Bashir, Vice Principal. M. Ashraf Dijoo, General Secretary & National Coach, also attended as a Special Invitee, playing a significant role in the day’s proceedings.
The day’s sporting highlights captivated parents and spectators as students showcased their skills in various activities. Speed Skating events for boys and girls were particularly thrilling, with exhilarating Roll Ball Matches being played on the newly inaugurated Synthetic Court, marking a historic first in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the Speed Skating events, Inayat Lone secured first place in the 1500-meter race, followed by Hamza Wani in second and Atif in third. In the U/14 category, Murtaza Wani clinched the Gold Medal, while the U/10 category saw Hazik Hussain and Hashim take first and second positions in the 1000-meter race. In the U/17 Girls category, Binnat, Lareeb, and Nimra claimed Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals in the 1000-meter race, while Mahnoor emerged victorious, earning the Gold Medal in the U/14 category.
The Roll Ball Matches added another layer of excitement to the event. In a fiercely contested game for boys, Team A, led by Inayat Lone, defeated Team B, headed by Murtaza Wani, with a score of 30:12 goals. In the girls’ category, Team A, led by Nimra Wani, triumphed over Team B, headed by Binnat, with a score of 10:07 goals.
All the Skating and Roll Ball events were conducted under the close supervision of M. Ashraf Dijoo, Secretary/Coach, ensuring fair and competitive contests. Showkat Khan, Chairman of Doon School HMT Srinagar, presided over the award ceremony, commending the outstanding performances of both players and officials.
The Annual Sports Day 2023 at Doon School HMT Srinagar was a resounding success, not only showcasing the athletic talents of the students but also reinforcing the school’s commitment to promoting sports and physical fitness as an integral part of education.