The sporting spirit of India's youth is on full display in Ludhiana as the city hosts the prestigious 69th National School Games. Organized by the directorate of school education under the School Games Federation of India, the event commenced on January 6 and will run until January 11. This national-level platform is witnessing fierce yet friendly competition among young athletes from across the nation.
Nationwide Participation and Event Structure
This multi-sport extravaganza has drawn participation from approximately 38 teams representing various states, Union Territories, and other organizations. The games uniquely blend traditional Indian martial arts with Olympic disciplines, featuring competitions in Gatka, Judo, and Taekwondo. The events are strategically spread across different venues in Ludhiana, turning the city into a hub of youthful energy and sporting excellence.
In a carefully planned age-group categorization, Gatka competitions are open for under-19 boys and girls. The Judo events cater to under-14 boys and girls, while Taekwondo contests are exclusively for under-14 girls. This structure ensures fair play and provides a tailored competitive stage for different age groups.
Judo: Young Warriors Claim Medals
The Judo mats have already seen thrilling contests and remarkable performances. In the under-14 boys' category, the podium finishes were as follows:
- Under 40 kg: Gold was clinched by Yuvraj Thakur from Punjab. Dharmesh Acharya from Rajasthan won silver, while the bronze medals were shared by Majgul (Gujarat) and Devesh Kumar (Delhi).
- Under 45 kg: Rushan Malek Mohd from Gujarat bagged the gold. Lovish Thapa from Punjab secured silver, and bronze medals went to Prashant Pandey (Vidya Bharti) and Bhaskar (Uttar Pradesh).
The under-14 girls displayed equal grit and skill:
- Under 27 kg: Muskan from Punjab won gold. Pari from Haryana took silver, with Raksi (Delhi) and Vinod (Maharashtra) earning bronze.
- Under 32 kg: Dipanshi Khoiwal from KVS clinched gold. Bhagya from Delhi won silver, while Kaveri (Karnataka) and Ganesh (Maharashtra) settled for bronze.
Gatka: Punjab Dominates the Traditional Arena
In the traditional martial art of Gatka, the host state of Punjab demonstrated formidable prowess. The results from the team events for under-19 girls are a testament to their skill:
- Team Single Soti Event: Punjab emerged on top with gold. Chhattisgarh finished second with silver, while Chandigarh and Delhi shared the bronze medal.
- Farri Soti Team Event: Punjab again secured the gold medal. Chandigarh claimed silver, and Jharkhand along with Madhya Pradesh won bronze.
Promoting Sports at the Grassroots
The primary aim of the National School Games is to promote a robust sports culture among school students from an early age. By providing a recognized national platform, the event helps identify and nurture budding talent. It allows young athletes to gain invaluable experience, compete with the best from other regions, and showcase their skills on a grand stage. The inclusion of Gatka alongside Judo and Taekwondo also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting India's rich heritage of traditional sports, giving them equal prestige alongside international Olympic disciplines.
As the games continue until January 11, more champions will be crowned, and countless inspiring stories of determination and sportsmanship will unfold in Ludhiana.
