Minister

Kapil Dev Agarwal inaugurated state level sports competition

Emphasis

on all-round development of youth by combining sports with skills

Yogi

government's initiative gives new dimension to sports culture in ITI

State

level competition of 579 participants from across state

3-day

competition showcased talent in 13 sports

Lucknow,

20 Feb (HS): The State Level Sports Competition 2025-26, organized

from 20 to 22 February 2026 under the direction of the Training Directorate,

Lucknow, under the Department of Vocational Education, Skill Development and

Entrepreneurship, Government of Uttar Pradesh, was inaugurated today at the KD

Singh Babu Stadium by cutting the ribbon by Kapil Dev Agarwal, Minister of

State (Independent Charge) of the department. The competition was formally

inaugurated with the lighting of lamps, flag hoisting, salute to the march past

and oath taking of the participants.

On

this occasion, Minister Agarwal stated that the department's objective is to

ensure the all-round development of youth by connecting them with sports along

with skill training. He explained that under the guidance of Chief Minister

Yogi Adityanath, sports activities are being promoted in ITI institutes so that

students can become physically strong and mentally confident. He said that

sports are not only a means of fitness but also develop discipline,

competition, and self-confidence in life.

The

Minister motivated the participants, saying that both victory and defeat are a

part of life, but only persistent effort paves the way to success. He

particularly encouraged girls, saying that with ability and self-confidence, no

obstacle can stop them from moving forward. Sports bring smiles to young

people's faces and positive energy to their lives, which plays a vital role in

building society and the nation.

Principal

Secretary Dr. Hariom stated that this is the first time the department is

organizing a state-level competition of this type, with the aim of promoting

personality development among youth. This competition is being held at the

state level after a selection process at the district and division levels, in

which a total of 579 participants (271 women and 308 men) from the state's

industrial training institutes have qualified.

According

to Training Director Abhishek Singh, the women's competitions will be held on

February 20th and the men's competitions on February 21st, while the remaining

competitions will be held on February 22nd. Adequate arrangements have been

made for the participants' accommodation, food, and transportation. The

competition includes 13 sports, including 100, 200, and 400 meter races, relay

races, long and high jump, shot put, badminton, kabaddi, volleyball, tug of

war, and kho-kho.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi