Lucknow, Feb. 21 -- The State-Level Sports Competition 2025-26, organised by the Department of Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Uttar Pradesh, began at KD Singh Babu Stadium on Friday. The three-day event, from February 20 to 22, was inaugurated by minister of state (Independent Charge) of the department Kapil Dev Agarwal. The minister said the department aims for the all-round development of youth by linking skill training with sports. He noted that sports activities are being promoted in ITIs to build physical strength, discipline and confidence among students. Principal secretary Hariom said this is the department's first state-level sports meet, aimed at enhancing personality development. After district and divisional-level selections, 579 participants - 271 women and 308 men - from ITIs across the state are competing. Training director Abhishek Singh said women's events will be held on February 20, men's on February 21, and the remaining competitions on February 22. Thirteen sports are included, such as sprints, relay, long and high jump, shot put, badminton, kabaddi, volleyball, tug of war and kho-kho. Adequate arrangements for accommodation, food and transport have been made for participants....