Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, inaugurated the two-day Annual Sports Meet-2025 at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, held at the Boys Hostel playground in Bemina today.
In her address, Minister Itoo highlighted the vital connection between the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. “Sports and recreational activities are essential for stress management,” she stated, especially for students and professionals in the demanding medical field.
Recognizing the need for improved facilities, Minister Itoo urged the GMC administration to upgrade the Boys Hostel playground to ensure better participation in extracurricular activities. She expressed hope that such enhancements would encourage more students to engage in sports, thereby fostering a healthy balance between work and recreation.
The Annual Sports Meet, organized under the auspices of the Chairman Sports Committee, Dr. Salim Iqbal, features various sporting events designed to promote teamwork and physical fitness. These activities include cricket, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, carrom, tug of war, and musical chairs, along with track and field events like 100m, 200m, 400m sprints, relay races, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw.
Additionally, fun games such as the matka race, sack race, and spoon and egg race infused exuberance into the program, promoting camaraderie among medical professionals and students alike.
The event drew participation from various dignitaries, including Principal Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Administrator Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, along with Heads of Departments, Medical Superintendents, faculty members, and students. The gathering underscored a collective commitment to fostering a balanced lifestyle within the healthcare community.
The emphasis on physical activity aligns with recent studies highlighting the significant benefits of sports in managing stress and enhancing productivity. Minister Itoo’s initiative reinforces the importance of integrating sports into educational curriculums for future healthcare practitioners, setting a precedent for similar institutions across the region.