Baramulla, Sept 20, KDC: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) on Saturday commenced the Inter-District Provincial-Level Kho-Kho Competition for all age groups (boys and girls) at Higher Secondary School (HSS) Doabgah in Rafiabad, with more than 700 young athletes from 10 districts of Kashmir Province expected to participate.
The three-week-long championship is being conducted under the overall supervision of Anuradha Gupta, IAS, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and organised by the Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Kashmir Province, with District Baramulla hosting the event.
The opening phase began with the Under-17 Girls’ category, which saw participation from teams representing all 10 districts, with around 120 players taking part.
The inaugural proceedings were formally conducted by Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO), Baramulla, in the presence of the Vice Principal of HSS Doabgah, departmental officials, coaches, team managers, players and other dignitaries.
Addressing the participants, Pampori welcomed the players, officials and accompanying staff and urged the young athletes to compete with confidence, discipline and sportsmanship.
He said such competitions provide students with an opportunity to showcase their talent, gain exposure at the provincial level and develop teamwork and competitive spirit.
Pampori also thanked the Principal and staff of HSS Doabgah, members of civil society and the Auqaf Committee Doabgah for their cooperation in facilitating the event.
The Vice Principal of HSS Doabgah welcomed the participating teams and the Department of Youth Services and Sports to the institution. He appreciated the department for selecting the school as the venue and assured full cooperation from the school administration for the smooth conduct of the championship.
The opening day’s matches witnessed competitive action in the Under-17 Girls’ category.
On Court-A, District Baramulla defeated District Anantnag by one inning and eight points.
On Court-B, District Bandipora defeated District Kulgam by one inning and one point.
The competition is being conducted on a league basis, allowing participating teams multiple opportunities to compete and gain experience.
The Under-17 Girls’ category will continue for three days, while the overall provincial-level championship will continue over the coming weeks, covering different age groups for both boys and girls. (KDC)
