National School Games conclude on winning note for Punjab, Jharkhand

Ludhiana: The 67th National School Games concluded on a high note for Punjab as the state players emerged national champions in U-17 boys and girls judo and U-19 boys and girls karate competitions. Meanwhile, Jharkhand team emerged as the national football champion.After a glorious display of sportsmanship spirit, the six-day-long event came to an end at Bhartiya Vidya Mandir School, Udham Singh Nagar on Thursday with much enthusiasm and memories.The champions of football, judo and karate competitions were felicitated with trophies, medals and certificates during the closing ceremony, presided over by SDM (west) Harjinder Singh. Encouraging the participants, the SDM said, “Sports always polish the health and career of youngsters.”Jharkhand claims top spot in footballIn an exciting U-19 football match, Jharkhand girls defeated West Bengal by 2-1. Maharashtra secured the third position by claiming victory over Punjab with 2-1.Pushpa Kumari, Jharkhand team goalkeeper, said, “I am ecstatic to have won the match. We practiced for two continuous months at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Ranchi. We were on our toes in November and December and dedicatedly practiced for two-four hours daily.”Kalyani Kumari, a side defence player from Hazaribagh area of Jharkhand, said, “Nothing can be more satisfying than achieving gold in football. It is a team effort and we give credit to our coach who motivated us.”Judo, karate players steal showIn U-19 boys and girls karate competitions, Punjab dominated with a total of 22 medals including 12 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze. In U-19 boys karate, Punjab clinched 6 gold and 5 silver. Delhi stood at the second spot with 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 2 gold and 2 silver. In girls category, Punjab bagged 6 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze while Uttar Pradesh stood second with 2 gold and 1 silver. With one gold, one silver and 3 bronze medals, Haryana bagged the third spot. Meanwhile, in Judo too, Punjab players brought laurels to the state by bringing 13 medals, including 7 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze to the Punjab kitty and emerging as national champions.In U-17 judo girls, Punjab bagged one gold medal, 3 silver and 2 bronze. Haryana claimed the second spot with two gold medals and one silver, followed by Delhi which secured two gold and two bronze. In the U-17 boys’ category, Punjab secured first spot in the country with six gold medals and a bronze; Haryana stood second with two gold, one silver and one bronze while Manipur secured the third spot with three silver and one bronze. DEO secondary Dimple Madaan, and deputy DEO Jaswinder Singh Virk, among others were present during the event.
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