Srinagar, Oct 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated the Annual Sports Day-2026 at Doon School Srinagar, celebrating the sporting talent of students who showcased their skills through athletic competitions, martial arts demonstrations, a march past and cultural performances.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by schoolchildren, who displayed their athletic abilities, discipline and competitive spirit through various sporting activities.
The Chief Minister formally declared the event open by releasing balloons and the students subsequently participated in races for boys and girls, martial arts demonstrations and other activities.
Following the performances, CM Omar Abdullah presented awards to meritorious students and school houses in recognition of their achievements and participation.
CM Omar Also appreciated the students for their performances and encouraged them to pursue sports alongside academics, stressing the importance of discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.
In a post on facebook, Chief Minister said the students of Doon School Srinagar presented impressive march pasts, vibrant cultural performances and exciting athletic competitions.
“I commended their performances and emphasised the vital role of sports and co-curricular activities in building discipline, character and promoting the holistic development of youth,” CM Omar shared in his Facebook page.
CM Omar also inaugurated Basketball court at the school and displayed his skills while spending few moments with the students.
Earlier in his address, Chairman Doon School Srinagar Showkat Ahmad Khan said the school aims to ensure Kashmiri children get equal opportunities so that they excel at national, international events.
He said the institution was established with the vision of ensuring that children of Kashmir do not feel disadvantaged in accessing opportunities because of where they are born.
“The institution aims to help students dream fearlessly, compete confidently and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country and the world,” he said.
He said the school’s achievements at national and international events reflected the progress made towards realising that vision.
“Our children have excelled at national and international events, bringing recognition to the country, state, families and to this institution as well,” he added.
Khan said every achievement was the result of sustained hard work and the collective efforts of students, teachers and parents.
“Students often put in extra hours of practice, teachers extended support beyond school hours, and parents made sacrifices to help their children succeed,” he said.
He highlighted the role of mothers in children’s achievements saying that their silent prayers and sacrifices often remained unrecognised despite being an important part of a child’s journey.
The chairman said education at Doon School was not limited to academic performance, medals and certificates but to nurture good human beings.
“We believe education must go beyond marks and medals. We must teach our children how to become good human beings,” he added.
He said the school was beyond an educational institution, saying it represented a dream built on hope, sacrifice and a commitment to provide children with opportunities to realise their potential.
Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani in his address advised the students to focus on the main purpose for which they have been enrolled in the schools by their parents.
“Students should remain away from the menace of drug abuse and other negative activities which can have adverse impact on their lives,” he said.
He complimented the school management for proper grooming of students saying that the students should become responsible citizens of the society.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, MLA Khan Sahib Saifuddin Bhat, President, Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) Nazrul Islam Baba besides the school principal and other officials were present on the occasion.
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