Also flags off IAF-UWM Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally from NDS Grounds
Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) attended the closing ceremony of the four-day 68th National School Games 2024-25 Table Tennis Championship Under-19 Boys and Girls organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at the Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, NDS Sports Complex in Leh.
The LG also flagged off the Indian Air Force (IAF)-Uttarakhand War Memorial (UWM) Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally from the NDS Ground in which IAF officials will cover 7,000 km from Thoise (Siachen) to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
Commending the organisers, particularly Secretary of DYSS UT Ladakh, Vikram Singh Malik and former Rajya Sabha MP, Tarun Vijay, for organising the 68th National School Games U-19 Table Tennis Championships and the IAF-UWM Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally, respectively, the LG thanked the participation of players from different states and UTs for making the event significant and successful.
Stating that a healthy mind and body are important for humans, he mentioned that studies and knowledge are critical for keeping the mind fresh while playing sports helps to keep oneself fit and healthy.
Mentioning that the National School Games Table Tennis Championship is being held in Ladakh for the first time, which is a matter of pride for the region, the LG shared an important message for the players, i.e. they should train other aspiring table tennis players and help them win medals instead of just focusing on individual glory.
He also asked the table tennis players from different states and UTs to tell other players to play with sportsmanship spirit and become citizens of India by following the Fundamental Duties mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
The LG asked the participants of the Car Rally to visit schools/colleges during their 7,000 km long journey and spread the message of fostering national unity and integrity.
He also asked them to dispel the misinformation about Agnipath (Agniveer & Agniveervayu) scheme, which is aimed at keeping the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force young and strengthening national security.
The LG also gave trophies to the winners of the U-19 Table Tennis Championships, including Vanshika Mudgal from Delhi (winner of U-19 singles girls); S Das from West Bengal (winner of U-19 singles boys); Team Delhi (winners of U-19 girls team event) and Team Maharashtra (winner of U-19 boys team event). He also felicitated officials from the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and the President of the Table Tennis Association of UT Ladakh.
Former Rajya Sabha MP, Shri Tarun Vijay, who is the Chairman of the Uttarakhand War Memorial, highlighted the role of the Army, Navy and Air Force and stated that the Car Rally is aimed at spreading the message of the bravery of Indian soldiers and celebrating their lives.
Earlier, Secretary, YSS, Shri Vikram Singh Malik, IAS, in his welcome address, informed the audience about the participation of around 300 players from 19 states and 5 UTs in the four-day event.
First Lady, Smt Neelam Mishra; Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson; Former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Tarun Vijay, Former MP Lok Sabha, Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Air Officer Commanding of Leh-based Air Force Station Air Commodore D S Handa; officials from Indian Air Force, SGFI, TT Association of Ladakh, DYSS UT Ladakh; NCC cadets and participants from different states and UTs were present during the occasion. I
