International Olympic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the historic Paddal Ground in Mandi under the aegis of the Himachal Olympic Association, Mandi. The event brought together eminent personalities from the fields of sports and education and witnessed the participation of nearly 200 students.
Event Highlights and Chief Guest
The programme began with a welcome address by Bhupender Singh Thakur, international athletics coach and president of the Himachal Pradesh Netball Association. Welcoming the chief guest, former Director of Youth Services and Sports TL Vaidya, along with other dignitaries and participants, he encouraged young athletes to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship in their daily lives.
Vaidya paid tribute to late Randhir Singh, former general secretary of the Indian Olympic Association, recalling his significant contribution to Indian sports.
Run and Student Participation
The chief guest flagged off a 2.5-km run that witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing nine educational institutions, including DAV Centenary Public School, Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Vallabh Government College, Government Senior Secondary School, Mandi, and other prominent schools.
In the girls' category, Mahak, Khushboo, Shreya, Shanvi and Namya emerged as the top performers, while Irfan, Mukesh, Sujal, Tanish and Shivansh secured leading positions in the boys' category.
Felicitations and Closing
Several veteran sportspersons, coaches and sports administrators were also felicitated for their contributions to the promotion of sports.
Concluding the event, KS Guleria, Principal of DAV Centenary Public School and convenor of the Himachal Olympic Association, Mandi, expressed gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries and athletes for making the celebration a success.
