Ramban, Sep 2: Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today inaugurated Inter-District Division-Level Chess Competition (Jammu Province) 2026–27 here at Yatri Niwas, Chanderkote. As many as 150 young chess players from across the Jammu Division participated in the 5-day sports event.

The Deputy Commissioner was the Chief Guest, while Tehsildar Deep Kumar was the Guest of Honour.
The championship is being organized by the Department of Youth Services & Sports under the direction of Commissioner Secretary, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director General, Youth Services & Sports, J&K, Anuradha Gupta.
The competition features Boys Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 categories, with teams representing Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Ramban. The programme commenced with the sports pledge, emphasizing team spirit and sportsmanship, followed by a cultural programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the organizers, officials, teachers and coaches for their dedicated efforts in bringing the prestigious divisional-level championship to Ramban. He observed that the event could have been hosted in any district, but its organization in Ramban was a matter of pride and honour for the district.
Encouraging the young participants, the Deputy Commissioner said that reaching the division-level championship after qualifying at the district level was itself a significant achievement. He urged them to compete with confidence, discipline, dedication and true sportsmanship, emphasizing that participation, learning and continuous improvement are as important as winning.
He expressed confidence that with proper guidance, hard work and determination, talented youngsters can progress from the district level to the divisional, UT, national and international stages.
The event was attended by departmental officers, PETs, REKs, NYCs, ground staff and other officials, whose coordination contributed to the smooth conduct of the championship.