Samba, Dec 19: The inaugural IMCSD Athletics Meet witnessed brisk action on the track at the Smailpur Sports Stadium on Saturday as young athletes competed in the 100 metres sprint events across age groups. Sanvi clinched the top spot in the Below 16 girls category, while Mariyam of Government Higher Secondary School Rahya dominated the Above 16 girls race to finish first in a keenly contested sprint.
The meet was organised by the Institute of Mass Communication and Skill Development on the theme Love Life, Hate Drugs and was held under the auspices of the Athletics Federation of India, J and K Amateur Athletics Association and the J and K Sports Council. The event marked the institute’s first foray into organising a recognised athletics competition.
Lakshmi Sarmal and Sanijaan of Alpha Mission High School secured second and third places respectively in the Below 16 girls category. In the Above 16 girls segment, Pratiksha Charak and Janvi Bagal, both from GHSS Rahya, finished second and third.
In the boys Above 16 category, Neelkamal of GHSS Smailpur crossed the finish line first, followed by Lucky Sharma of GHSS Rahya and Adarsh Manhas of GHSS Smailpur. The Below 16 boys race saw Sahil Sumbria of GHSS Rahya take first position, with Krish Mehra of GHSS Allah and Madhav Singh of Mishra Higher Secondary School Arnia finishing next.
Dalbir Mehta, Manager of the Smailpur Sports Stadium, attended as Chief Guest, while Suresh Sharma of Alpha Mission High School Allah was the Guest of Honour. Senior journalist and IMCSD Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Vikas Sharma was also present.
Officials from the Department of Youth Services and Sports supervised the races, ensuring smooth conduct. Addressing participants, Vikas Sharma congratulated the winners and highlighted the role of competitive sports in promoting fitness and discouraging drug abuse. A total of 76 athletes from more than five schools took part in the day long meet, which concluded with prize distribution.
