Pulwama, Sep 29: The Inter-Division UT-Level Kabaddi Tournament, organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, was inaugurated in Pulwama district on Tuesday.The two-day tournament is being held in the Under-14 and Under-19 categories, with two teams each from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions participating in the competition.The tournament was inaugurated by District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO), Pulwama, Jagdish Raj Sharma, in the presence of Mahjoor Memorial Government Boys Higher Secondary School Principal Abdul Hamid. Officials and employees of the Department of Youth Services and Sports were also present on the occasion.Speaking to the media during the inaugural ceremony, Jagdish Raj Sharma said the tournament would continue for two days. He said two teams each from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions are participating in the Under-14 and Under-19 categories and would get an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent.Sharma urged youngsters to participate actively in sports and stay away from drugs and other social evils. He said sports not only help nurture the abilities of young people but also provide them with a healthy and positive avenue to channel their energy.He further called upon youngsters to take up sports of their choice and hone their skills through hard work, dedication and discipline so that they can excel at district, UT and national-level competitions and bring laurels to the country.

He said the Department of Youth Services and Sports is organising various sporting activities to provide better opportunities to youngsters and identify and nurture emerging talent.On the occasion, Principal Abdul Hamid said the students of his institution possess considerable sporting talent and that the school administration is extending all possible support to help them develop their abilities.
He said sports play an important role in improving the physical fitness of students while also promoting discipline, self-confidence, leadership qualities and teamwork.Hamid added that the school administration is extending full cooperation to the Department of Youth Services and Sports for the successful conduct of UT- and divisional-level sporting events at the institution grounds .He welcomed the organisation of the UT-level kabaddi tournament in Pulwama, saying such competitions provide young athletes with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent, gain competitive experience and further develop their sporting abilities.