Pulwama: The inaugural Pulwama Kabaddi League 2026 was flagged off on Thursday at Pulwama Cricket Stadium, marking the launch of a three-day tournament aimed at promoting youth engagement and supporting the anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was inaugurated by Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner/Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, in the presence of legislators Waheed-ur-Rehman Para and Hasnain Masoodi, along with senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. The tournament, scheduled from May 1 to 3, features eight teams comprising 96 athletes from across the Kashmir Division.
The opening ceremony witnessed a vibrant start with a band performance by Solace School, setting an energetic tone for the competition.
Addressing participants, Choudhary described sports as a powerful tool for social transformation and urged players to act as ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. “Sport is not merely competition; it is a powerful instrument of social transformation. Through such engagements, we aim to channel the energies of youth into constructive pursuits, fostering discipline, resilience, and a drug-free lifestyle,” he said.
Teams participating in the league include Pulwama Panthers, Midline J&K, Harmokh Warriors (Bandipora), AR Warriors (Bandipora), United Kashmir (Baramulla), AKC Budgam, Kulgam Tigers, among others. Officials said the open-age format has been designed to bring together experienced players and emerging talent, enhancing competitive standards and providing exposure to younger athletes.
The league has been conceptualised by Aamir Wani of Dadoora, Pulwama, who was recently selected for Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League. His involvement was highlighted as a boost to grassroots sports development in the region.
Officials said the Pulwama Kabaddi League is part of a broader initiative by the J&K Sports Council to promote structured sporting activities across the Kashmir Division. Similar events, including a volleyball tournament in Shopian and a football league in Anantnag, are planned, along with women-centric leagues, as part of sustained efforts to engage youth and steer them towards positive pursuits.
