The Bandipora Tennis Ball Cricket Championship commenced today under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme at Hr Secondary School Nadihal.
The event features participation from approximately 25 teams of all categories (Boys and Girls) and aims to combine sports with civic education.
Speaking on the occasion, District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri said that the championship is a significant part of SVEEP activities, focusing on engaging first-time voters. He stated that the event seeks to inspire and motivate new voters to actively participate in the democratic process, highlighting the importance of their involvement in elections as a celebration of democracy.
The DEO emphasized that the championship is not only a sports event but also a strategic effort to educate and engage first-time voters. He added that the goal is to make the electoral process more accessible and appealing to young voters by integrating sports with civic education.
Padmashree Faisal Ali Dar, Brand Ambassador SVEEP activities associated with the initiative, stated that the championship is designed to raise awareness about voting rights among the youth. He noted that players from the tournament will have the opportunity to advance to the UT level.
Dar further emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “by integrating sports with civic engagement, we are creating an environment where young people can learn about their voting rights in a dynamic and enjoyable setting and approach not only fosters a greater sense of responsibility but also encourages active participation in the democratic process.”