BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib on Thursday inaugurated the Inter-District UT-Level Handball Competition at SK Stadium, Bandipora, with teams from across Jammu and Kashmir participating in the event.
A drug-free pledge was administered to players at the opening ceremony, with officials highlighting the importance of sports and healthy lifestyles among youth.
Addressing the participants, Chib said sports should be accessible to all young people, including those outside the formal education system. She stressed the role of sports in promoting physical fitness, confidence, discipline and overall personality development.
The deputy commissioner also interacted with players and encouraged them to compete with dedication and sportsmanship.
The competition, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), features teams in the Under-14 boys’ category. In the opening matches, Bandipora defeated Kupwara, Baramulla beat Kulgam and Shopian registered a win over Pulwama.
Officials said the tournament aims to provide young athletes with competitive exposure and an opportunity to showcase their talent at the Union Territory level.
The event also marked the first sporting competition to be held at SK Stadium after its renovation.
District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Abdul Majeed Rather, Activity Incharge Ferooz-ul-Hassan, coaches, officials and players were present at the inaugural ceremony.
