Health Minister Sakeena Itoo inaugurated the two-day Annual Sports Meet-2025 at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar today. The event took place at the Boys Hostel playground in Bemina and attracted both students and staff eager to participate.
While addressing the gathering, Minister Itoo underscored the crucial link between physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals. She pointed out that regular engagement in sports positively impacts healthcare delivery, enhancing overall quality of service in the medical field. “Sports and recreational activities are essential for stress management, particularly for students and professionals working in demanding roles,” she emphasized.
In her speech, Itoo urged the GMC administration to upgrade facilities at the Boys Hostel playground. Improving amenities will motivate students to actively participate in extracurricular activities, which play a critical role in their development.
The Annual Sports Meet features a wide range of sports and recreational events, meticulously planned and organized under the guidance of Chairman Sports Committee Dr. Salim Iqbal. Competitors can look forward to enjoying activities such as cricket, volleyball, football, badminton, and table tennis. The meet also includes traditional games like carrom, tug of war and interactive fun such as musical chair.
Sprinters can test their skills in track and field events, which encompass 100m, 200m, 400m, relay, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw. The lineup of events aims to foster a spirit of camaraderie among all participants while promoting holistic well-being.
Engaging fun games like the matka race, sack race, and spoon and egg race injected enthusiasm into the program, further enhancing the sense of community and enjoyment among attendees.
The inaugural event drew an impressive audience, including Principal Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Administrator Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Heads of Departments, Medical Superintendents, faculty members, students, and staff. Their presence underscored the importance of physical activity in the realm of medicine.
The Sports Meet not only highlights the significance of athletic endeavors among future healthcare leaders but also sets a precedent for other medical institutions to follow suit in promoting health and wellness. The GMC Srinagar community looks forward to more such vibrant events that celebrate teamwork, fitness, and resilience.
