Srinagar Aug 22 (JKNS): The Union Territory of J&K is currently witnessing an extraordinary surge of sporting enthusiasm as the Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K leads vibrant celebrations for National Sports Week 2025.
Across all districts, thousands of young athletes are participating in a diverse array of competitions and fitness activities, embodying this year’s powerful theme, “Har Gali, Har Maidan, Khelega Sara Hindustan – Khele Bhi, Khile Bhi.”
From the cricket grounds of Kupwara to the volleyball courts of Baramulla, and from the yoga mats of Anantnag to the athletic tracks of Ganderbal, the spirit of sportsmanship is thriving.
The celebrations, which pay tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, have transformed school grounds and stadiums into hubs of energy and healthy competition.
In Kupwara, the district level cricket competitions commenced at Galizoo Stadium with immense enthusiasm, marking the beginning of sporting events that will provide a platform for budding cricketers to showcase their talent.
Simultaneously, Samba district witnessed the successful commencement of inter-zonal competitions in disciplines including Judo, Kabaddi, Badminton, Volleyball, Chess, and Yoga for Under-19 boys, with enthusiastic participation from over 150 players across five zones.
The momentum continued in Rajouri district, where all fifteen zones carried out spirited rallies and engaging physical activities.
The air filled with motivational slogans as students and youth volunteers emphasized inclusive participation and grassroots engagement through local games and fitness routines.
Cultural expressions added color and pride to the celebrations, with district leaders emphasizing that fitness is a lifelong habit rather than a one-day affair.
Baramulla district organized a series of activities including poster rallies, aerobic exercises, recreational activities, fun games, and a specially organized Run for Girls.
The main event at High School Khawaja Bagh saw 145 students participating with zeal and energy, creating a vibrant display of fitness and sportsmanship. The district also successfully concluded the Inter-Zonal District Level Volleyball Championship for Girls across three age categories, with outstanding performers shortlisted for provincial level competitions.
Budgam and Bandipora districts launched their Sports Week Celebrations with great zeal across all educational zones, paying glowing tributes to Major Dhyan Chand through various sports competitions, athletic events, fitness activities, and awareness drives aimed at ensuring mass student participation.
Kishtwar district observed National Sports Week under the Fit India Movement banner with widespread participation across all seven sports zones. Hundreds of students showcased their energy, discipline, and sporting spirit through sports competitions, yoga sessions, morning assembly exercises, and fitness awareness drives.
Shopian district organized various sports activities including rallies, Tug of War, and Musical Chair in Zone Vehil, along with an Interzonal District Level Badminton competition for Under-14 and Under-17 girls at Degree College Shopian.
Ramban district successfully conducted pre-event activities across six zones, with 1082 participants including 720 boys and 362 girls taking part in various sports competitions such as Cricket, Volleyball, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, and running events. Students were sensitized about the importance of sports for holistic development.
In Kathua, students took the National Sports Day pledge and participated in activities promoting sports and fitness.
Ganderbal district organized rallies and sporting activities across all zones, with approximately 300 students participating in competitions including Volleyball, Chess, Carrom, Badminton, and Rope Skipping. Zone Hariganiwan also conducted an Inter-School Zonal Level Athletics Meet for Under-14 boys.
Zone Achabal initiated elaborate preparations for National Sports Day with a wide publicity campaign including installation of banners, posters, and hoardings, along with rallies and sports competitions in various schools and public places. The zone emphasized inclusive participation for all age groups and genders.
Anantnag district witnessed District Level Yoga Competitions at SRJ HSS Khanabal, where 71 female students from Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories showcased their yoga skills. Top performers were selected to represent the district at forthcoming Provincial Level Yoga Competitions.
Srinagar district is currently hosting a week-long Inter-School/District Level Rifle Shooting Training Camp at Youth Hostel Shooting Hall, where 100 boys are undergoing training. The district also concluded Inter-Zonal/District Level Girls’ Cricket Competitions in Under-17 and Under-19 categories, with Zone Amira Kadal emerging victorious in both categories.
Inter-Zonal/District Level Under-17 Boys’ Cricket Competition is underway at S.P. College Ground.
All these competitions are being organized under the campaign “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan,” reinforcing the message of adopting sports and fitness as an integral part of everyday life while abstaining from drugs. (JKNS)
