Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, inaugurated the Annual Sports Meet-2025 today at the Boys Hostel playground in Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar. This two-day event aims to enhance the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals and students.
During her address, Itoo underscored the significant connection between physical health and mental wellness. She stated, “Sports and recreational activities are essential for stress management, especially for those in demanding medical fields.” The Minister applauded GMC Srinagar for their initiative, which reflects a growing recognition of the importance of extracurricular activities in medical education.
Minister Itoo further urged the GMC administration to enhance facilities at the Boys Hostel playground. Such improvements would encourage a greater number of students to participate in various extracurricular activities. “Student engagement in sports has multifaceted benefits, contributing not only to stress relief but also to teamwork and leadership skills,” she added.
The Annual Sports Meet-2025 is organized under the supervision of Chairman Sports Committee Dr. Salim Iqbal, showcasing a well-structured program featuring a mix of competitive and leisure events. Participants can engage in a range of activities, including cricket, volleyball, football, bidding badminton, and table tennis. Traditional games like carrom, tug of war, and lively events such as musical chairs enhance the festive atmosphere.
Track and field events add an element of competitiveness, with challenges like the 100m, 200m, 400m sprints, as well as field activities including shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw. Fun races such as matka race, sack race, and spoon and egg race encourage participation among all attendees, reinforcing camaraderie and a sense of community.
The event drew a large crowd, including Principal Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Administrator Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, various Heads of Departments, Medical Superintendents, faculty members, students, and enthusiastic staff. The involvement of these key figures highlights the importance placed on physical fitness and its connection to a thriving educational environment.
With events like this, GMC Srinagar aims to foster a culture that prioritizes not only academic excellence but also the development of well-rounded medical professionals. This aligns with national trends recognizing the integral role of sports in education.
