Jammu, Dec 15: The 36th J&K UT Senior Volleyball Championship for Men and Women concluded with thrilling performances at MA Stadium, here on Sunday.
Organized by the Volleyball Association of Jammu & Kashmir (VAJK) in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, the championship saw Jammu district emerging victorious in both the Men’s and Women’s categories.
In a highly competitive women’s final, the Jammu team defeated Srinagar by 3-1 sets, with scores of 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, and 25-13. In the Men’s section, Jammu dominated the JKP team with a clean 3-0 win, securing sets of 25-13, 25-18, and 26-24.
The spectators were treated to a display of exceptional volleyball, with impressive spikes, blocks, and serves, some of which were delivered by international-level players.
The closing ceremony was graced by Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, J&K UT, who was the Chief Guest. He commended the organizers for the successful execution of the 3-day championship, which mobilized over 500 players from across Jammu & Kashmir UT.
The Chief Guest assured that the government of J&K would continue to support and promote volleyball, particularly in the remotest regions of the Union Territory, by improving infrastructure. Viewing the potential of volleyball game in today’s matches, he expressed optimism that J&K would soon emerge as a force to reckon with in national and international volleyball arenas.
During the ceremony, Sarmad Hafeez distributed trophies, medals, certificates, and cash prizes to the winner and runner-up teams. In addition to this, both the victorious teams—Jammu Women’s and Men’s—received cash rewards of Rs. 10,000 from the Jammu District Volleyball Association in recognition of their outstanding performances in the championship.
The Chief Guest was also honoured with a memento by Raj Daluja, Patron-in-chief, Sidharth Daluja, President of the Volleyball Association of Jammu & Kashmir (VAJK), alongside other officials of the association. Saroj Sethi, Group Senior Manager (HR) at Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd., Jammu, who was the Guest of Honour at the event was also honoured with a memento.
Rajesh Rathore, Principal of JK Public School Kunjwani Jammu, who had supported the championship, was also felicitated with a memento.
In addition to the winning teams and dignitaries, several officials, referees, and office bearers of the District Volleyball Associations of J&K UT were recognized with mementos and utility gifts for their contributions to the success of the event.
The championship, which coincided with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Volleyball Association of Jammu & Kashmir, concluded after 62 exciting matches. The event was made possible through the support of various organizations, including the J&K Excise Department, J&K Bank, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited, YES Bank, LIC, JK Public School Management, and State Times. Their combined efforts ensured the championship was both effective and result-oriented.
The technical officiating panel included recognized national referees such as Neeraj Sharma, Aliyas, Amit Sharma, Sat Pal, Intezar Ali, Ashima, and D.K Raina.
“The 36th JK UT Senior Volleyball Championship has not only showcased the high skill levels of local volleyball players but has also set the stage for the future development of the sport in Jammu & Kashmir, paving the way for even greater success on national and international platforms,” said CEO VAJK, Kuldeep Magotra.
