“Children Should Take Up Competitive Sports Early,” Says Ritin Khanna at APJ School Sports Meet

Jalandhar (The Uttam Hindu): The Annual Sports Day of the pre-primary wing of Apeejay School, titled “Fun & Frolic Fiesta 2025–26” was organised with great enthusiasm at the Mahavir Marg branch of the school. The event witnessed active participation from students, parents and staff turning the campus into a vibrant arena of sports and celebration.

Secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association & former National Player Ritin Khanna graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. An alumnus of the school, Khanna received a warm welcome from Principal Yashpal Sharma, Vice-Principal Aarti Shorey Bhatt and members of the teaching staff.

Marking a special highlight of the event, the Chief Guest inaugurated the newly developed cricket pitch on the school campus, a step aimed at further strengthening the school’s sporting infrastructure.

Addressing students, parents and teachers Chief Guest Ritin Khanna stressed the importance of introducing children to competitive sports at an early age. He observed that the biggest challenges faced by the present generation include excessive exposure to gadgets, social media and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

“Sports is one of the most effective ways to channelise the energy of young children and help them grow physically as well as mentally,” he said. Khanna added that participation in sports builds discipline, confidence and a strong fighting spirit, qualities that help individuals overcome difficult situations in life.

Encouraging parents to support their children’s sporting interests, he urged them to introduce children to a sport of their choice once they reach the age of seven. “Sports teaches a child the value of perseverance and the ability to hustle in life, which is extremely important in today’s competitive world,” he remarked, while thanking the school management for inviting him to be part of the event.

The children participated in various events with great zeal: Nursery kids in the Teddy Bear Race, LKG in the Bag Race, and UKG in the Huddle Race.The programme featured a series of colourful and energetic races and fun competitions for students of different classes as well as for parents. The enthusiastic participation added excitement to the celebrations. Winners of the various events were later felicitated with prizes and medals by the Chief Guest.

Winners:

Nursery Teddy Bear Race:

1. Bhavanya, Aayan

 2. Aditi, Ridayveer

 3. Noelle Gupta, Pransh

Mothers’ Lemon and Spoon Race:

1. Ms. Sakshi

2. Ms. Rishma

3. Ms. Aakriti

LKG Race Winners:

1. Paarush, Pranshi

2. Tanush, Takshvi

3. Aanisha, Trishya

UKG Race Winners:

1. Kuhaan, Taanvi

2. Sehjveer, Kaira, Aarza

3. Zoran, Pranit

Fathers’ Race:

1. Mr. Harmool Singh Sandhu

2. Mr.Rajesh Kalsi

3. Mr.Varun Mahajan