Wushu, Volleyball events dominate day in Shopian; Kho-Kho & Kabbadi bring Doda alive

SRINAGAR : Wushu and Volleyball competitions were held in Sports Stadium at Shopian in which around 160 players participated including a good number of female athletes.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, some of the jubilant participants felt that such events should become a regular feature in the district. They opined that the Shopian stadium mostly hosts cricket matches but for a change, the competitions for games that interest us is a welcome change and will go a long way in building the talent pool in other games.

Earlier, DDC Vice Chairman, Shopian, Irfan Manhas presided over the function as the chief guest while Sheikh Ghulam Qadir, Sarpanch Zawoora was the guest of honour. Incharge of Sports Stadium Shopian and many other officials of Sports Council and a number of NYCs were also present on the occasion.

A large number of local spectators were also present in the stadium to root for their local heroes.

Chief guest interacted with the participants and others present on the occasion and apprised them about the benefits of participation in Sports. He thanked the Sports Council and administration of J&K for reaching out to the district Shopian and conducting sports events. He also expressed his hope that such events shall grace district Shopian in future too.

Not so far away from Shopian, BSM Mattan and Pahalgam Blues registered their wins in Nanil Sports Field where they defeated their arch-rivals in the Spring Shield T-20 Cricket tournament to book their places in the next round.

BSM Mattan after winning the toss scored 179 for the loss of 9 wickets with Jamid being their top scorer with a personal score of 61 runs, a feat that earned him the man of the match award. The opponents Mattan Blues were bundled out for paltry 143 runs and handed over the ticket for the next round to BSM Mattan. Shabrooz and Faizan scored 46 and 45 runs respectively in what proved to be a losing cause

In another match, DCC Darigund lost to Pahalgam Blues. Choosing to bat after winning the toss, DCC Darigund could only aggregate 120 runs losing all the wickets in the pursuit of a big total. Sharid and Abrar bowled some tight lines and grabbed 3 scalps each.

Batters of Pahalgam Blues played sensible cricket and sailed through losing only 4 wickets with Sharid anchoring the innings and contributing a vital 31 runs with the bat. Sharid for his all-around performance was declared man of the match.

The match between KCC Mattan and Super Stars Mattan was in progress when the report was being filed.

Meanwhile, ‘My Youth My Pride’ initiative received a rousing response in district Doda where events in Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Chess were held at Sports Stadium Doda. Around 90 athletes took part in the one-day event which also featured a good number of female athletes as well.

Earlier, Shavani Raina, Sarpanch presided over the function as the chief guest while Ravinder Thakur district president BJP was the guest of honour, Both the guests were flanked by many other government officials including, Sheikh Jaffar Haider District Sports Officer who attended the function as a special guest.

All the dignitaries present on the occasion applauded the winners and encouraged others not to lose heart and to work hard and do well in future events. They also expressed their desire that every youth should become part of the ongoing “My Youth My Pride” sports initiative to hone their skills for future prospects.

Ajay Gupta, Anil Sharma, Manmeet Kaur and Rajesh Kotwal officiated the proceedings of the competitions. A large gathering of people from different walks of life also turned to the venue to witness sports events.

Yesterday, the final of Youth League Football Tournament which was shifted to TRC Astro Turf Football stadium on the demand of players and football lovers was played between SCFA Pampore and Ganderbal Football Academy which the former won by a solitary goal in a very close fought contest.

The special feature of the match was the Iftaar organised by Guru Teg Bahadur Foundation, cosponsors of the league. A large crowd relished the Iftaar and appreciated the gesture of organising bodies, mainly Sports Council for such a unique experience of accommodating final with break for Iftar. Earlier, Sopore Academy held Real Kashmir to draw at Ghani Memorial Stadium in Sher-i-Khaas.

In the Youth League Football Tournament being played in Gani Memorial Stadium, Lone Star Kashmir FA will take on J&K Bank FA later in the evening. A large number of spectators are expected to watch the game as both are rated among the best teams of the valley.

The battery of sports events being played under the umbrella of the “My Youth My Pride” initiative of the Sports Council has been received well by all the sections of the society.