Srinagar, Nov 2 : The SKIMS Sports Series 2026 commenced at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, on Monday, bringing together medical students, resident doctors, faculty members and healthcare professionals for a fortnight of sporting activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and teamwork.
The event, jointly involving SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, will continue until November 14, featuring a range of indoor and outdoor competitions.
Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government, Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, who attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, emphasised the importance of sports in fostering a healthy institutional environment and strengthening bonds among students and healthcare professionals.
He said sporting activities help develop resilience, encourage teamwork and promote collective achievement. He also announced that sports infrastructure at SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, would be upgraded soon.
Prof Abdul Maajid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Organising Chairperson, highlighted the role of sports in maintaining physical and mental health, particularly among medical students and healthcare professionals facing demanding academic schedules and professional responsibilities.
Principal SKIMS Medical College-Hospital, Bemina, and Dean Medical Faculty, Prof Fazl-ul-Qadir Parray, said recreational activities provide opportunities for students and healthcare professionals to unwind, interact and build stronger interpersonal relationships beyond their routine academic and clinical engagements.
The sports series features cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, table tennis, chess, carrom, kho-kho, kabaddi, dodgeball, tug of war, sprint events and arm wrestling.
Under the house-based competition format, participants will earn 10 points for gold, five for silver and two for bronze medals. The house accumulating the highest points will be declared the House of the Year.
The initiative is being organised in connection with Mental Health Month, observed from October 10 to November 10, under the leadership of the Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College-Hospital, Bemina, in collaboration with various departments.
Organisers said the programme seeks to promote psychological resilience, reduce stress and strengthen social interaction among medical students and healthcare professionals.
Prof Aijaz A. Rather, Associate Dean and Chairperson Sports Committee, and Dr Shafa A. Deva, Medical Superintendent, also attended the inaugural ceremony and appreciated the initiative.
The programme was coordinated by Prof Yasmeen Jan from the Department of Community Medicine, Dr Rasika Khan, Senior Resident in Psychiatry, and Dr Mir Musharraf, Medical Intern.
Presenting the vote of thanks, Dr Nizam-ud-Din, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, expressed gratitude to the participating teams, faculty members, mentors, organising committee and support staff from the Civil and Electrical Engineering Departments for their contributions to the event. (KNS)
