The Indian Army organised volleyball tournament at Ladda, Kupwara on 26 March 2023, which saw the participation of 8 teams. The tournament was conducted as part of the Indian Army's effort to promote sports and foster a sense of camaraderie among the local population.
The local panchayats fielded 2 teams each and the tournament commenced on 24 March 2023 with full enthusiasm. The matches were played on a knockout basis, with the winning team progressing to the next round. The event was part of the Army’s efforts to promote positive youth development through sports and provide a platform to showcase the hidden talent of local youth.
All teams from different villages played with zeal and vigour. The much deserving and outstanding performance by teams from Narikot village stood out first and second in the tournament. Both teams were awarded with trophies, medals and cash prizes, also to further promote the sports among the youth volleyball kit was also gifted to the teams.
Further, a friendly match was played between Indian Army and the winning team as an effort to build bridges with the local community and promote a sense of camaraderie between soldiers and civilians and also as a positive step towards building trust and showcase the approachability towards army in case of any eventualities.
The event witnessed an overwhelming response both in terms of participation and spectators. Large number of locals turned up to witness the match during the conduct of the tournament. The Sarpanch and elders of the villages expressed their gratitude towards the Army in its endeavours to motivate the youth of the region and bring in bonhomie.