Shopian, May 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the South Kashmir Volleyball League-2026 in Shopian and dedicated a newly-constructed Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall at Arhama to the youth of the district.
Built at a cost of Rs 4.94 crore, the indoor sports facility is expected to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide training opportunities for aspiring athletes in the region.
Addressing players, officials and spectators at the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor described the volleyball league as an important initiative for youth engagement and social transformation in South Kashmir. He said the tournament, which began in 2021, has evolved into a significant platform for promoting competitive sports culture and encouraging wider participation in volleyball across the region.
Highlighting the role of sports in combating substance abuse, Sinha said the league is contributing to the administration’s “Nasha Mukt J&K” campaign by offering young people constructive avenues for participation and personal development.
“Sports activities are channeling the energy of youth towards positive nation-building efforts and helping them emerge as active contributors to society,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further stated that the administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has focused on creating opportunities for youth to excel in sports at national and international levels.
Referring to ongoing investments in the sector, Sinha said nearly Rs 22 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure in Shopian during the past six years, while projects worth Rs 8.80 crore are currently under execution in the district.
He added that 20 Khelo India Centres are operational across South Kashmir, including five in Shopian, where around 600 trainees are receiving regular coaching and sports equipment support.
Calling upon young athletes to become role models in society, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to guide the younger generation towards a drug-free and healthy lifestyle. He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to dismantling the narco-terror network in Jammu and Kashmir.
The four-day South Kashmir Volleyball League is being organised by the Volleyball Association of J&K in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
Among those present on the occasion were Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, Shopian MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Shishir Gupta, SSP Shopian Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, J&K Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul, senior police and civil administration officials, sports personalities and local youth.