Srinagar, June 21: J&K Sports Council on Wednesday celebrated the International Yoga Day and organised grand celebrations in all major stadiums and indoor sports complexes across Jammu and Kashmir in this regard.
Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta presided over the main function of J&K Sports Council at Football Astro-Turf TRC here.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mehta highlighted that the aim of celebrating International Yoga Day is to unite as it symbolizes the union of body and consciousness. He added that the benefits of yoga are varied and it has been actively used as a medium to remain fit all over the world.
Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, who was present on the occasion, said that the Sports Council is promoting yoga throughout the union territory and is also establishing two state-of-the-art yoga centres one each at MA stadium Jammu and Bakshi Stadium Srinagar to educate athletes about the benefits of Yoga.
Noted Bollywood Director, Imtiaz Ali, who also attended Yoga Day celebrations at TRC, while speaking on the occasion said that such important days play an important role in promoting yoga and its transformative impact on the overall health and well-being of individuals. He also interacted with participants and was seen engrossed in discussions with the kids attending the event.
During the interaction, Ali asked them to maintain a balance of physical and mental well-being by incorporating Yoga into their daily routine, as it promotes muscle flexibility, strength, and mental well-being.
Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull said that our athletes irrespective of whichever games they specialise in, are glued to yoga as it has not only helped them stay fit but also create a synchronous association between mind and body for optimum utility on the days of competition.
To commemorate the event across the valley, number of events were organised in which people from all walks of life participated and organisers highlighted the importance of yoga for mental and physical well-being.
Similar celebrations marked International Yoga Day events across Jammu Division.
The events were organized in different stadiums of Sports Council where enthusiastic participation of managers and coaches, Khelo India Staff, players, and people from all walks of the society belonging to different age groups participated in the event.
The main celebrations were held at M.A Stadium which were jointly organised by daily Dainik Jagran, Sports Authority of India, Volleyball Association of J&K and J&K Spors Council, in which large number of Yoga enthusiasts participated.
Divisional Sports Officer, Jammu, Ashok Singh, speaking on the occasion highlighted the unifying force of Yoga, its immense benefits and how the International Day of Yoga has become part of the global calendar. “In these testing times, World needs Yoga and meditation more than ever”, he said
Deputy Mayor, Jammu, Baldev Billawaria said that the tsunami of sports initiatives to transform the society for nation’s development shall be advanced in the coming days.
The Guest of Honour, Vikram Singh Randhawa said that Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition and embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, a holistic approach that is valuable to our health and our well-being.
