‘My Youth My Pride’:  Special Sports programmes boost Youth participation in North Kashmir

Srinagar, July 30: The sports facilities in North Kashmir were vibrant with activities as the ‘My Youth My Pride’ initiative kicked-off.

Over 500 athletes competed in hockey, kabaddi, and volleyball events at SA Stadium, Baramulla, drawing large crowds of both participants and spectators.

Around 280 athletes from various schools and clubs took part in Wushu, Judo, and Kho-Kho competitions held at the Indoor Sports Hall Handwara and Playfield Kultari Mawar.

The SK Stadium in Bandipora hosted rugby events, attracting approximately 140 players from different institutions. Spectators also enjoyed watching skilled basketball athletes, while boys and girls football teams competed on the first day of the special activities at Playfield Naidkhai, Bandipora.

The boxing ring was lively with matches at Playfield Shadipora, Bandipora, where athletes showcased their skills across various age groups. These events were overseen by expert coaches and technical staff from the J&K Sports Council.

Divisional Sports Officer, Central, highlighted the goal of these events as reaching every corner of J&K to provide opportunities for all children to engage in sports.

In addition, the closing ceremony of a 21-day special summer kabaddi coaching camp was held at SKISC Srinagar, attended by the Secretary, JKSC, along with DSO, Kashmir and DSO, Central. The camp, which trained 43 players, concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony for the athletes and coaches.

Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, praised the athletes, noting that these coaching camps would prepare them for national and international competitions. She emphasized the Council’s efforts to provide youth with access to sports facilities and expert training, aiming to make J&K a leading region in terms of medal achievements in the country.