Jammu, A five-day Junior National 56th Artistic Gymnastics and 25th Rhythmic Gymnastics meet commenced on Monday at Gymnastics Hall of New Indoor Complex, Maulana Azad Stadium here.
Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan, who holds portfolio of youth services and sports was the chief guest.
Flanked by other dignitaries comprising MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and Mayor JMC Chander Mohan, Khan inaugurated the national event by lighting the lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor asked the participants from different states and union territories to be messengers of peace and harmony.
"We hope that the participants will enjoy the beauty and warm welcoming culture of J&K and spread the word of this soul soothing beauty in their home states," said Khan.
President Gymnastics Federation of India, Sudhir Mittal, Nusrat Gull, Secretary J&K Sports Council in their brief address welcomed the gymnasts with coaches and other officials.
Teams from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Rajasthan, Punjab, Orissa, Maharashtra, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and many others will be showcasing their talent in the five-day long national championship.
Gymnastics Association of Jammu and Kashmir and J&K Sports Council are the key hosts of the Championship.