Nussu (Qazigund), Sept 03: Hundreds of spectators flocked to the Volleyball Court in Nussu Badragund village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to witness the thrilling finale of the area’s first-ever Volleyball tournament.
This event unfolded against the backdrop of a concerning surge in drug-related issues in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the organizers, this tournament marked a pioneering venture in Nussu, a village renowned for producing promising athletes.
They said that 16 teams, representing Kulgam and Anantnag districts, enthusiastically participated in the championship.
Two formidable teams, Y.K Pora (Qazigund) and Star Volleyball Club Budroo (Kulgam), found themselves on edge as a massive crowd gathered around the court.
“The tournament delivered a series of intense and nail-biting games besides the grand finale,” says Shakir Ahmad, one of the organizers.
A brainchild of three youngsters Shakir Ahmad, Aaasif Nazir and Aanis Malik, the tournament drew young and old to the volleyball court to witness the nail biting games.
“The area doesn’t have any means of entertainment and is struggling with drug abuse. The sports event attracted people and volleyball enthusiasts from every nook and corner of Kulgam and Anantnag districts of South Kashmir. It provided the locals with some sort of entertainment,” said one of the organizers.
He said that the locals rallied together, providing extensive support throughout this tournament.
“It felt like an event organized collectively by the entire community. We felt empowered by the local support,” said Shakir.
“Our area had a strong Volleyball culture, with young players often coming here to play. We launched the inaugural ‘Rising Volleyball Tournament Nussu’ to formalize the games, foster skill development among players, and keep them engaged constructively,” he added.
He further expressed happiness at the overwhelming support from spectators who flocked daily to witness the matches.
Out of 16 teams, Y.K Pora and Badroo, emerged as the finalists who engaged in a high-voltage match here in Nussu Badragund village.
While Badroo exhibited commendable sportsmanship, it was Y.K Pora that emerged victorious, clinching the title of the inaugural tournament.
The event not only showcased the fervor for Volleyball in the region but also provided a positive outlet for local youth amidst growing concerns about substance abuse.
