The Department of Youth Services and Sports Ramban, today inaugurated the Inter-Zonal District Level Sports Tournament for Under-14 and Under-17 boys and girls in the disciplines of Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Volleyball here at District Police Lines (DPL) Ground.
The tournament was declared open by Member Legislative Assembly Ramban Advocate Arjun Singh Raju as the Chief Guest. The event is being held under the direction of the Director General, YSS J&K and the guidance of District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Jagdesh Raj Sharma.
The opening ceremony witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 335 student athletes from all six zones of the district, accompanied by their respective Zonal Physical Education Officers, Physical Education Teachers, Rehbar-e-Khel instructors and field staff. The ground buzzed with energy as young athletes showcased their passion for sports in an environment filled with discipline, sportsmanship and zeal. An anti drug pledge was also administered to the participants.
Addressing the gathering, the MLA lauded the Youth Services and Sports Department for providing a platform to youth to showcase their talent and energy through sports. He emphasized that such events are crucial for identifying grassroots-level talent and fostering a spirit of unity and teamwork among youth. He also advised the youth to remain focused on their goals and to stay away from negative influences, urging them to take full advantage of such opportunities for personal development.
The DYSSO highlighted the transformative power of sports in shaping character and promoting a healthy lifestyle. He urged the youth to embrace sports as a positive alternative to harmful habits particularly substance abuse and as a means to develop self-confidence, leadership, and resilience.
Prominent among those present were ZEPO Banihal Saidullah Mir; ZEPO Khari, Fayaz Ahmed Mir; ZEPO Batote, Joginder Paul Gupta; ZEPO Ukhral, Mohd Haroon Bhat, and Activity Incharge, Arun Kumar Sharma, who expressed their appreciation for the smooth conduct of the tournament and the commendable performance of the participants.
