The 59th National School Games volleyball competition for under-14 boys and girls began here today.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand declared open the event at MAM stadium here.
The five-day sports meet is being organised by the department of Youth Services and Sports. 42 teams and 502 girls and boys are participating in the mega.
The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the enthusiasm of the sportspersons assembled for the event from across the country.
He said that the event would not only provide a platform to the budding players for showcasing their talent but would also prepare them for future international level competitions.
"All accolades are due to these young sportsmen. Besides ensuring a successful tournament, the department should also organise local tours of historical places for the participants so that they act as brand ambassadors for the state," he said.
Appreciating the overwhelming participation in the event, Minister of State for School Education and Sports, Feroz Khan, said winning or losing was an integral part in sports but participation has equal importance.
In his welcome address, Director General, Youth Services & Sports Naveen Aggarwal detailed the efforts put in by the department to organise the event with the participation of record number of teams.
