KULGAM: A month-long multi-discipline sports tournament for girls was inaugurated at Sports Stadium Kulgam on Monday under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, with Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam calling for greater investment in girls’ education, sports and skill development.
The tournament, organised by the Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Kulgam, features competitions in cricket, football, volleyball, badminton and basketball. Block-level teams from across the district are participating with the aim of identifying and nurturing sporting talent among young girls.
The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner Vikar Ahmad Giri, District Information Officer, District Social Welfare Officer and other officials.
Addressing the participants, Shahzad Alam highlighted various initiatives being undertaken by the district administration to empower girls through education, sports and livelihood opportunities.
He said the administration was providing assistance for NEET coaching, skill development programmes for women, strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and facilitating the enrolment of women and girls in various government welfare schemes.
“Our goal is to ensure that our daughters scale new heights in their respective careers,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the role of sports in building confidence, discipline and leadership among girls, describing women’s empowerment as essential for the progress of society and the nation. He also highlighted the services being provided through the Social Welfare Department, including SHEW, OSC and DCPU.
Encouraging the participants, he urged them to focus on their overall development, explore diverse career opportunities, including civil services, while continuing their engagement in sports.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Vikar Ahmad Giri said such platforms were vital for nurturing emerging talent and encouraging more girls to pursue sports as a career.
Following the inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with the participants and encouraged them to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship, work hard and aspire to represent Jammu and Kashmir at national and international levels. He assured them of full support in terms of training, equipment and exposure opportunities.
