The Department of Youth Services and Sports in Zone Jib, Udhampur, has inaugurated an inter-school tournament, providing a platform for young athletes to compete and showcase their skills. The zonal-level competition, designed for Under-14 and Under-17 boys, aligns with the Department’s annual activity calendar for 2026-27, as approved by Director General Youth Services & Sports J&K (UT), Anuradha Gupta.
The tournament commenced with a diverse range of sporting events, encompassing Kabaddi, Cricket, Chess, Table Tennis, Wrestling, and Yoga. These competitions were conducted under the supervision of Zonal Physical Education Officer, Zone Jib, Jyoti Rani Gupta, ensuring adherence to regulations and fair play. Suraj Bhan Singh, Manager of the Sports Council Udhampur, graced the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Suraj Bhan Singh formally declared the tournament open, extending his best wishes to all participants and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship during the competitions.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that, a substantial number of students, totaling 495, representing various Government and private schools, actively participated in the inter-school tournament. The event also functioned as a selection process, identifying promising and talented players for further development and opportunities. The technical team, spearheaded by Ajit Singh Bandral and Sanjay Sharma, diligently managed the events, ensuring their seamless execution and impartial evaluation of performances, contributing to the competition’s integrity.
In the Yoga Under-17 category, Vansh Sharma and Sahil Sharma, both representing HS Laddan, distinguished themselves by securing the top positions, demonstrating their proficiency and dedication to the discipline. In the Under-14 Yoga category, Vijay Kumar from MS Nagrota and Atul Sharma from HS Laddan emerged as winners, showcasing their talent and commitment to the sport. Gitansh Thakur of APS Udhampur demonstrated exceptional skills in Table Tennis Under-14, clinching the title and solidifying his position as a top contender. Ryan Sharma, also from APS Udhampur, showcased his prowess in the Under-17 Table Tennis category, securing the victory and highlighting the school’s strength in the sport.
The Kabaddi Under-14 match featured a captivating contest between Government High School Upper Thanoa and Government High School Bali, with Government High School Upper Thanoa ultimately prevailing by a margin of 14 points. This victory underscored their teamwork, strategic gameplay, and determination throughout the match. The inter-school tournament in Zone Jib not only promoted sportsmanship and physical activity but also provided a platform for young athletes to shine and pursue their passion for sports. The event highlighted the importance of sports in fostering talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle among students in the region.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports continues to play a crucial role in organizing and supporting such events, contributing to the overall development of young athletes and promoting a culture of sports in the community. The success of the tournament reflects the dedication and hard work of the organizers, participants, and the support from the local community, reinforcing the importance of sports in education and personal growth. The emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship during the tournament helped to create a positive and encouraging environment for all participants, contributing to their overall experience and growth as athletes and individuals.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.