By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 12 Nov: The vibrant third day of the Uttarakhand Rajya Yuva Mahotsav 2024, organised by the Department of Youth Welfare & PRD, was marked by engaging expert sessions, lively competitions, and cultural performances, here, today. Held at the Parade Ground, the festival drew in participants from various disciplines, emphasising the potential and passion of Uttarakhand’s youth.
The day began with an expert-led session, ‘Optimising Player Services and Event Operations: Crafting a Premier Sporting Environment for Athlete Success and Fan Engagement’, conducted by Vedika Anand, Manager at PTPA, and Dr Verna D’Silva, Sports Physiotherapist at AIFF. This session organised as part of preparations for the upcoming 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, explored best practices in athlete support and event management. Vedika Anand emphasised the need for robust support services that address health, injury management, and game scheduling, stressing the importance of integrating technology and AI into India’s sports ecosystem.
Adding to the day’s activities, youth participants showcased their talents in painting, story writing, poetry, and folk dance competitions—both solo and group categories.
In the Poster Painting Competition, Anshul Kashyap from Dehradun took first place, followed by Akanksha Sarkar from Udham Singh Nagar in second, and Bhumika Adhikari from Nainital secured third position.
In the Story Writing Competition, Pammi from Dehradun won first place, while Sakshi from Pauri Garhwal took second. In the Solo Folk Song Competition, Priyanshu from Uttarkashi emerged as the winner, with Priyanshu Arya from Pithoragarh in second place and Amit Kumar from Pithoragarh in third. In the Poetry Competition, Aparajita from Haridwar won first place, followed by Manika from Dehradun in second, and Nikita from Nainital in third.
In the Speech Competition, Suman Negi from Bageshwar secured first place, while in the Group Folk Song, Simran from Uttarkashi took the top position.
In the afternoon, an engaging session on ‘Sports Governance’, took place, led by Monal Choksi, Secretary General of the Swimming Federation of India, Amit Kumar Sinha, Special Principal Secretary for Sports & Youth Welfare, and Captain Varun Singh, Secretary General of the Services Sports Control Board. The session provided valuable insights into the role of governance in sports development and highlighted Uttarakhand’s preparations for the 38th National Games. The speakers emphasised the role of AI and advanced technology in sports and discussed the importance of state-level support for nurturing young athletes.
The evening’s entertainment included a thrilling pickleball competition, followed by a dynamic performance by Doon’s all-women Womeniya Band’. As the day ended, popular singers Vivek Nautiyal and Manoj Samant captivated the audience with soulful performances. Vivek Nautiyal is a renowned Garhwali singer known for his mesmerising vocals and soul-stirring renditions of traditional folk songs.
The festival also features a handicraft exhibition that has become a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. The exhibit showcases traditional crafts, handmade artifacts, and local specialties, celebrating the region’s artisans and their craftsmanship.
Present on the occasion were Prashant Arya, Director of the Department of Youth Welfare & PRD, Additional Director RC Dimri, Joint Director Ajay Aggarwal, Deputy Directors Shakti Singh and SK Jairaj, Assistant Directors Neeraj Gupta and Deepti Joshi, and Rajesh Mamgain, Principal of Sports College.
