68th National School Games kicks off in Ranchi

Ranchi: The 68th National School Games began with grandeur at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morabadi on Sunday. Education minister Ramdas Soren inaugurated the event, organized by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and hosted by the Jharkhand Education Project Council.The minister emphasized sports' crucial role in student development, encouraging participants to aim for excellence at national and international levels. "Sports are an integral part of our culture and lifestyle. While victory is everyone's goal, persistence never disappoints," he remarked.The event has drawn 35 teams nationwide, competing in various disciplines including athletics, tennis, track, cycling, and hockey across under-14 and under-19 categories for both boys and girls.The opening ceremony showcased rich cultural performances, featuring Nagpuri folk dances by Bharatiya Lok Kalyan Sansthan artists. Students from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Awasiya Vidyalaya performed traditional songs, while St Mikhail Blind School students delivered a band performance of "Desh Mere Teri Shaan Pe Sadke."Comprehensive arrangements have been made for participants' accommodation, with boys housed in hotels and girls in Jharkhand Technical University and JCERT flats at Hatla Jar hostels. Officials have been accommodated in circuit houses and hotels. A dedicated control room at Khelgaon will operate 24/7 to manage logistics, security, and essential services.