Veterans Prove Passion and
Excellence Know No Age
Jammu, November 9 : In a remarkable celebration of lifelong athleticism and unyielding passion for
sports, the 2nd Jammu & Kashmir
Masters Games concluded successfully today at the historic M.A. Stadium, Jammu. The five-day
event, organised by the Jammu &
Kashmir Masters Games Association (JKMGA)—affiliated with the Super Masters Games and Sports Federation
(India)—brought together veteran athletes from across the Union
Territory in an inspiring display of fitness, friendship, and determination.
Sh. J.P. Singh (IPS Retd.), former IGP,
graced the closing ceremony as the Chief
Guest, while Sh. Ashutosh Sharma
Chairman J&K Olympic Association attended as the Guest of Honour.
This year’s edition witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 400 master players and 70 officials
representing districts including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Baramulla, Rajouri,
Poonch, Anantnag, and Udhampur. The event featured competitions in more than 20 disciplines, including athletics,
handball, kho-kho, table tennis, powerlifting, weightlifting, yoga, roller
hockey, pickleball, kabaddi, tinnikot, lawn tennis, badminton, basketball,
chess, football, hockey, rope skipping, swimming and tennis ball cricket. Each
event reflected the enthusiasm and determination of athletes who have continued
to nurture their sporting spirit beyond the years of professional competition.
The Chief Guest and Guest of
Honour presented medals and trophies to the winners and lauded the
participants for their exemplary performances. Speaking on the occasion, Sh. J.P. Singh praised the
participants for redefining the meaning of age and athleticism. “Masters
sports promote an inclusive and diverse sporting culture, challenging the
notion that athleticism is only for the young. Watching a 70-year-old sprint or
perform yoga with grace sends a powerful message of perseverance, discipline,
and passion,” He said.
Guest of Honour Sh. Ashutosh Sharma emphasized the
positive impact of sports on mental and emotional well-being. “Whether
returning to a sport they once loved or trying something new, the journey of
training and competing strengthens both body and mind. For many, Masters sports
become a source of confidence and happiness,” he remarked.
Ranjeet Singh Chib, President
of JKMGA and an ex-international handball player, expressed pride in the
growing success of Masters sports in J&K. “You don’t stop playing
because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing. These athletes
prove every day that passion never retires,” he said, applauding the
participants’ enthusiasm and discipline.
Neete Kaur, Secretary General of JKMGA,
thanked all game conveners and officials for their tireless efforts in ensuring
the smooth conduct of the Games. She reaffirmed the association’s mission to
promote fitness and sporting opportunities for individuals aged 30 and above,
encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. The conveners who contributed
significantly to the success of the event included Gurcharan Singh, Romesh Sharma, Mousami Verma, Bhanu Partap Singh, Anil
Abrol, Raman Kumar, Meetu Singh, Rajesh Sumbria, Mohit Verma, Rajinder Singh,
Prithpal Singh, Pankaj Malhotra, Amar, Praval Sharma, Ajay Sharma, Danish,
Rajeev Sharma, Dayal Singh, David Sandhu, and Rishi.
Several former national and international players also participated,
returning to the field to inspire the younger generation with their dedication
and sportsmanship. The event proceedings were conducted gracefully by Mamta Bajaj, Vice President of JKMGA,
whose enthusiasm and eloquence kept the audience engaged throughout the
ceremony.
Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Romesh Sharma, Som Raj Gupta, Kuljeet Singh,
Sanjay Puri, Prabal Sharma, Rameshwar Singh Manhas, and other
distinguished members of the sports fraternity.
As the curtains came down on the second edition of the J&K Masters
Games, the event stood as a shining example of perseverance, unity, and the
timeless joy of sport. It sent out a clear message that age is no barrier when passion leads the way, inspiring countless
others to rediscover the athlete within and embrace an active, fulfilling life
through sport.