Associated News Bureau

Sakeena Itoo Calls for Greater Opportunities for Girls Through Education and Sports

KULGAM, OCTOBER 3: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday emphasised the importance of empowering girls through education, sports, skill development and awareness, while calling for greater efforts to ensure their participation in various spheres. The Minister was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative at Government Degree College, Kulgam, where top-performing teams from various girls’ sports tournaments and 20 district NEET qualifiers were felicitated. The event was organised by the Social Welfare Department, Kulgam, in collaboration with the Sports, Higher Education and other departments of the district administration to recognise the achievements of girls in academics and sports and promote the message of women empowerment. Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo highlighted the need to create greater awareness among women and girls about government schemes and welfare initiatives aimed at supporting their education, development and overall empowerment. She said participation in sports not only provides girls with opportunities to demonstrate their talent but also helps develop confidence, discipline, leadership skills and a spirit of teamwork. Director General ICDS Sajad Hussain Ganie, DPO Zaheer Ahmad Kaifi, ACR Kulgam Reyaz Ahmad Shah and District Social Welfare Officer Kulgam Rameez Ahmad Ganie also addressed the gathering. They highlighted various initiatives related to women’s empowerment, education and sports participation and encouraged girls to pursue their goals with confidence. During the felicitation ceremony, medals and trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up of girls’ basketball, volleyball, football, cricket and badminton tournaments organised at the inter-block and inter-municipality levels under BBBP in the district. Certificates were also presented to 20 girls from Kulgam district who qualified for the NEET examination. Earlier, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated the Inter-District UT-Level U-17 Girls Netball Tournament at Shri Nazir Ahmad Wani Higher Secondary School, Kulgam. Organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and hosted by YSS Kulgam, the tournament is witnessing participation from eight districts of the Union Territory. The event aims to provide young sportspersons with a platform to showcase their talent and gain competitive exposure. The programme was attended by girls, students, officials, sports personnel and other stakeholders, who appreciated the initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for girls in education and sports. ANB