Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the South Kashmir Volleyball League-2026 at Shopian and dedicated the Multipurpose Sports Indoor Hall at Arhama to the youth.
The indoor sports facility has been constructed at a cost of ₹4.94 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the South Kashmir Volleyball League, which started in 2021, has emerged as a major platform for youth engagement, promotion of competitive sports culture and strengthening volleyball activities across South Kashmir.
He said the league is significantly contributing to the “Nasha Mukt J&K” campaign by promoting sports as a positive avenue for youth participation and social transformation.
Manoj Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a strong foundation has been laid for youth to realise their sporting aspirations and showcase their talent at national and international levels.
“By engaging large numbers of youth across the Union Territory in volleyball and other sporting activities, the administration is successfully channeling the energy of youth toward nation-building,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor described every match and sporting activity as a message of confidence and progress from the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the development of sports infrastructure in Shopian, he said nearly ₹22 crore have been spent on sports infrastructure in the district during the last six years, while projects worth ₹8.80 crore are presently under execution.
He further informed that 20 Khelo India centres are operational across South Kashmir, including five in Shopian, where around 600 trainees are receiving coaching and sports equipment.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged young sportspersons to become role models and guide the younger generation towards a healthy and drug-free future.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to eliminating the narco-terror ecosystem from Jammu and Kashmir.
The four-day South Kashmir Volleyball League is being organised by the Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
Among those present on the occasion were Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Shishir Gupta, SSP Shopian Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul and other officers, sports personalities and youth participants.
