𝐉&𝐊 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

Srinagar, May 19: A series of inter-school and inter-zone sports events have been held across Jammu and Kashmir districts, showcasing athletic talent, promoting inclusivity, and reinforcing anti-drug messages.

In Udhampur, the District-Level Inter-School Inter-Zone Sports Meet began under the supervision of Rajinder Singh Tara, featuring 260 student-athletes competing in table tennis, basketball, football, and chess for U-14 and U-17 categories. Chief Guest Romesh Chander Mishra, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, emphasized sportsmanship, perseverance, and hydration during activities. He also urged the youth to adopt a drug-free lifestyle in line with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Ganderbal hosted successful chess and carrom competitions for U-17 boys at BHS Arch. Zone Kangan won the chess segment, while Zone Ganderbal led the carrom events. Additional zonal competitions in kho-kho, kabaddi, and other sports engaged numerous students, with top performers selected for upcoming tournaments.

In Budgam, several inclusive sports events took place. Zone Chadoora held games for specially-abled students, and Zone Narbal hosted volleyball and kabaddi with participants taking an anti-drug pledge. Other zones like B.K. Pora, Beerwah, and Hardpanzoo also promoted inclusivity through carrom events for differently-abled children. Meanwhile, Zone Magam saw 368 girls participating in volleyball and kabaddi in the U-14 category.

Shopian organized volleyball competitions for boys in the U-14 and U-17 categories in Zones Imamsahib and Shopian, alongside inclusive games such as cricket, chess, and carrom in Zones Vehil and Keegam, underlining the district’s focus on inclusive sports.

Kishtwar launched a district-wide anti-drug campaign under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with the Social Welfare and Youth Services departments holding rallies, discussions, and awareness drives across various panchayats. Students and locals joined efforts under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” with officials promoting sports and education as deterrents to substance abuse.

In Kathua, inter-zone girls’ competitions were held at Naaz Ground Billawar, featuring kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, badminton, and chess, while U-17 boys’ cricket matches took place at Sports Stadium Hiranagar. A total of 197 girls participated, with strong performances from Zones Bhaddu, Bani, and Billawar. In cricket, Zone Kathua defeated Zone Hiranagar.

These widespread sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir highlighted youth empowerment, community involvement, and the state’s commitment to health, inclusion, and drug-free living.