JAMMU: In a heartfelt celebration of perseverance, passion, and athletic
excellence, the Jammu & Kashmir Masters Games Association (JKMGA) organized
a grand felicitation program at the historic Amar Singh Club. The event was
inaugurated by Sh. Ranjit Singh Chib, former SSP, international handball
player, and President of JKMGA, who emphasized the importance of Master Games
in promoting lifelong fitness and breaking stereotypes about aging.
The primary objective of the program was to promote Master Games,
specifically designed for athletes aged 30 and above. These games aim to instil
a competitive spirit while encouraging physical well-being among experienced
sportspersons. Speaking at the event, Ranjit Singh Chib highlighted how master
athletes continue to inspire all generations by proving that age is no barrier
to excellence.
The program honored the conveners of the 7th National Masters Games held
in Dharamshala, where 110 players from Jammu participated across 11 different
sports and brought home an impressive total of 87 medals—44 gold, 28 silver,
and 15 bronze. The conveners recognized included Ajay Sharma (Athletics), David
Sandhu (Swimming), Late Virinder Sharma (Judo), Er. Rajiv Sharma (Table
Tennis), Dayal Singh (Weightlifting), Ramesh Sharma (Badminton), Bhanu Pratap
and Mousami Verma (Basketball), Anil Abrol (Chess), and Neete Kaur
(Powerlifting and Handball).
Also honored during the event were Dr. Sonia Chib for her valuable
physiotherapy services and Chef-de-Mission Praval Sharma along with Rameshwar Singh
Manhas Chairman R.S Sports Academy Miran Sahib for their roles in promoting
sports. The recognition extended to other outstanding contributors including
Sandeep Gupta, Badminton Captain and Regional Director of IGNOU Jammu, Mamta
Bajaj, Captain of the 40+ Handball team and international player, Renu Ratan,
International handball player, and Vinay Sharma, a respected handball coach.
A proud moment for the region was the recognition of Tajinder Singh
(IPS), DIG in J&K Police, who brought laurels by winning a bronze
medal in the 7th National Masters Games. His achievement was celebrated as
a fine example of how even the most demanding professional roles can coexist
with high levels of sporting performance.
A particularly proud moment for the region was the recognition of Neete
Kaur, General Secretary of JKMGA, who made history by becoming the first woman
from Jammu & Kashmir to participate in the World Masters Games held in
Taipei in 2025. As the captain of the women’s handball team, she brought
immense pride to the region and was honored for her groundbreaking achievement.
Neete Kaur also took the opportunity to highlight the growing success of
the Masters Games in Jammu & Kashmir, with 20 active games being played
across the union territory and participation in 11 national-level disciplines.
She praised the media for their crucial role in promoting the movement and
helping bring recognition to the efforts of these athletes.
In recognition of their contributions to the promotion of Masters Games
in Jammu & Kashmir, the association also honored prominent sports
journalists including Vikas Abrol, Vivek Sharma, Ranjit Thakur, Sanjay Puri,
Ratan Sharma, Vivek Suri, Kunal Duggar, Sanjeev Sharma, and Raj Kumar.
President Ranjit Singh extended a heartfelt thank you to all media personnel
for their consistent support and coverage.
The evening's most celebrated moment was the special felicitation of
Romesh Sharma, a seasoned and highly respected badminton player for showcasing
exceptional skill and determination by winning three gold medals in the Seventh
National Masters Games. His achievements serve as a shining example of
dedication and excellence in the sport.
JKMGA also felicitated Danish Yousuf, a JKP athlete, who was awarded the
title of Best Athlete of the Seventh National Masters Games. Danish won five
gold medals in five events and set two national records—completing the
100-meter dash in 10.9 seconds and the 200-meter dash in 22.0 seconds. His
achievements were hailed as extraordinary and a source of inspiration for
athletes across the country.
The program was attended by a host of dignitaries and sports supporters,
including Deepak Honda and Ranjot Singh Nalwa, who graced the occasion
as special guests, along with Romesh Sharma, Kuljit Singh Jamwal, Somraj
Gupta, Rakesh Singh Salathia, Rajesh Sumbria, Meetu Singh, Pankaj Malhotra,
Mohit Verma, Sudesh Raina, and Rajendra Singh. The event was beautifully
conducted by Mamta Bajaj, whose energy and passion elevated the evening’s
spirit.
This celebration truly embodied the spirit of sportsmanship—an
occasion of the sports professionals, by the sports professionals, for the
sports professionals, which is the very essence of JKMGA.
In his closing remarks, President Ranjit Singh Chib reaffirmed the
association’s commitment to honoring athletes, promoting the values of fitness
and health, and supporting initiatives that build a stronger, healthier India
through sport. The felicitation ceremony stood as a powerful reminder that age
is not a limitation but a badge of experience, and that the fire to compete, to
achieve, and to inspire can burn brightly at any stage of life.
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