Bandipora, June 20: The Director of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Subash C Chhibber, kick-started the revival of traditional sports activities in Hajin, a town located in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Accompanied by Additional Secretary to Government Youth Services and Sports Department, Waseem Raja, and Joint Director Kashmir of the Department, Chhibber inaugurated the festival by cutting a ribbon and releasing pigeons.
Hajin, known for its rich history of promoting Kashmiri culture, served as an ideal starting point for the revival of traditional sports activities. Director Chhibber, along with senior officers, visited the Higher Secondary School Hajin ground, where they witnessed the enthusiastic participation of school children in various traditional games, such as Saz Loung, Hopscotch, Santooli Garam, and tip-cat Latikij Loth, which were popular in Kashmir for decades. The event drew a large crowd of senior and elderly residents who reminisced about their childhood recreational activities.
During the visit to Hajin, Director Chhibber and other officers also visited Higher Secondary School Mujgund, where they interacted with the talented athletes of the school and shared valuable insights and good wishes.
The Zonal Physical Education Office, under the supervision of the District Youth Services and Sports Office Bandipora, organized an impressive inaugural function. The Additional Secretary of YS&S emphasized the importance of reviving traditional sports and expressed hope that the event would serve as a catalyst for the revival of such activities across the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Joint Director Kashmir highlighted the positive impact of these events on community building, physical fitness, and the nurturing of young sporting talent in the region.
An award ceremony was also held to honor participants and outstanding sportspersons who showcased exemplary skills and dedication in recent National and Divisional Level games. This recognition aimed to motivate these individuals to continue striving for excellence in their respective disciplines.
As part of their commitment to improving sports infrastructure, the officers conducted a field visit to the Gandbal playfield to assess its potential for modern development, ensuring aspiring athletes have access to quality resources.
The event, which celebrated traditional sports and cultural heritage, included the unveiling of the newly constructed Zonal Physical Education Office (ZPEO) Hajin. Approximately 1000 students and locals participated in the Traditional Sports Mela, which featured cultural performances and a skit highlighting traditional games. The artistic performances by young students received high praise from the audience.
The event witnessed the presence of District Youth Services and Sports Officer Bandipora, Nazir Ahmed; Principal of Government Higher Secondary School Hajin; ZEO Hajin; SO Planning Section Directorate of YS&S; Chairman of Idara e Awkaaf Hajin, Haji Ghulam Nabi Dar; President of Halqu e Adab Sonawari, Shakir Shafi; President of Wahab Cultural Society Hajin, Dr. Reyaz ul Hassan, along with a large gathering of school children.
Azhar Hajini, I/c Media & Publicity Wing of the Department, delivered the formal welcome address, setting the tone for a memorable and culturally enriching event.
