SRINAGAR, Oct 6: Extending a warm welcome to young footballers from across the country, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the National School Games (U-19 Football Tournament) in Srinagar, assuring participants of full support and comfort despite the inclement weather. Addressing the players gathered for the opening ceremony amid persistent rain and a sudden dip in temperature, Omar said that while the weather was beyond human control, ensuring the players’ comfort and smooth participation was the responsibility of the government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The weather does not allow me to give a long speech and keep you standing in the rain,” he told the assembled teams. “The weather is not in our hands, but on behalf of myself, my colleagues, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I warmly welcome all the players and their teams who have come here from every corner of the country.”
The Chief Minister encouraged the young athletes to participate with enthusiasm, discipline, and the true spirit of sportsmanship. “I hope you will approach this tournament with passion and a positive spirit, cherishing not just the competition but also the camaraderie and experience it brings,” he said.
Recognizing the challenges posed by the cold weather, Omar assured all teams of immediate assistance should they face any difficulty. “If any of you do not have adequate warm clothing or face any other issues due to the weather, please inform us immediately. We will make all necessary arrangements to ensure that you are comfortable and can focus entirely on your game,” he said.
Downplaying the weather’s impact, he described the cold spell as temporary. “This is just a two-day phase, and we hope the weather will improve after that, allowing you to enjoy the tournament in a pleasant atmosphere,” he added.
Emphasizing the larger purpose of sports beyond winning or losing, Omar reminded the young players that participation itself was a victory. “Winning is not as important as participating. What matters most is the spirit with which you compete, learn, and grow. I thank you all for coming from so far to be part of this event and wish you the very best of luck,” he said.