Pulwama, Feb 12: In a significant shift, volleyball is rapidly gaining popularity among the youth in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. What was once confined to a few urban areas is now spreading its roots deep into the rural fabric.
Haroon Rashid, a standout volleyball player hailing from Koil village, Pulwama, and a representative of Jammu and Kashmir at Nationals, remarked, “This sport is gaining popularity among rural youth with each passing year in this district.” He attributed this surge in interest to the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Policy, which has motivated youngsters to pursue volleyball as a serious avenue for talent development.
“Volleyball is no longer merely a pastime but a viable career option,” Rashid emphasized, noting the stark contrast from earlier times when only a handful of players would show up for trials. Nowadays, trials witness a large influx of aspiring players, intensifying the competition.
Saif Parvaiz, another local from Wahibugh village, lauded the “Every Village, A Playfield” campaign, highlighting the pivotal role it played in popularizing volleyball. Parvaiz credited the rural development department, the department of panchayat raj institutions, and the department of youth services and sports for their efforts in establishing playing fields across various villages in the district.
However, despite the commendable progress, players lamented the absence of a practice ground for volleyball in Pulwama town, the district headquarters. They urged authorities to prioritize the establishment of such facilities.
In response, District Officer of Youth Services and Sports in Pulwama, Jagdish Raj, assured that playfields are being constructed across every zone in the district. He mentioned that regular tournaments are organized to promote volleyball, with plans underway to include the creation of a volleyball court in Pulwama town in the upcoming year’s agenda. Notably, volleyball courts have already been erected in villages like Monghama and Tahab, showcasing the commitment of authorities to foster sports at the grassroots level.
