Srinagar, July 23: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K continues to foster a vibrant sports culture among the youth, as evidenced by the successful inauguration of multiple district-level tournaments across the Union Territory.A statement issued here said that the Indoor Stadium Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, witnessed a spirited opening ceremony for the Inter-School District Level Under-19 Boys Sports Tournament on Wednesday. The event, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Baramulla, was graced by the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, who emphasized the transformative power of sports in shaping disciplined and united youth. A total of 19 teams from Government and Private Higher Secondary Schools are competing, with the tournament set to conclude on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner lauded the YSS Department’s efforts in nurturing grassroots talent and fostering sportsmanship. The ceremony also saw the presence of the Assistant Commissioner Revenue and the District Information Officer, who extended their support to the young athletes. Meanwhile, the historic Chowgan Ground in Kishtwar buzzed with energy as the Inter-Zonal District Level Tournament for U-19 Boys & Girls commenced with great enthusiasm. The District Development Commissioner of Kishtwar inaugurated the event, urging participants to embrace the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. The tournament features Volleyball, Kabaddi, and Kho-Kho, with teams from various zones showcasing their skills. Today’s results highlighted the competitive spirit:
– Kho-Kho (U-19 Girls): Paddar Zone emerged victorious, with Kishtwar Zone as runners-up.
– Kabaddi (U-19 Boys): Kishtwar Zone claimed gold, while Nagseni Zone secured silver.
– Volleyball (U-19 Boys & Girls): Paddar Zone and Nagseni Zone triumphed in their respective categories.
Reflecting on these initiatives, Director General of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Anuradha Gupta, stated, “Sports is not merely a physical pursuit but a transformative force that builds character, resilience, and unity. Our department is dedicated to creating platforms where youth can thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Through these tournaments, we aim to instil a lifelong passion for fitness and teamwork, ensuring our young athletes become ambassadors of health and harmony.”
