KATHUA, May 13: The Department of Youth Services and Sports continued its energetic sporting campaign with the successful conduct of the Inter-Zone District Level Tournament for U-14 Boys across different zones of Kathua district.
The tournament, organised at Sports Stadium Kathua and Naz Ground Billawar, witnessed enthusiastic participation from 778 students who competed in various sports disciplines including Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Badminton, Table Tennis, Wrestling, Football, Chess, Wushu and Boxing.
The third day of the competition was marked by exciting contests, with young players displaying impressive discipline, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. Officials of the department said that such tournaments are aimed at identifying and nurturing sports talent at the grassroots level while also encouraging students to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.
Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized that sports play a significant role in shaping responsible and confident citizens. They said the department remains committed towards providing opportunities for budding athletes to showcase their talent and prepare for higher-level competitions.
The tournament also promoted the message of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, with participants and officials spreading awareness against drug abuse. Students were encouraged to stay away from substance abuse and make sports an integral part of their lives. Officials highlighted that playgrounds are among the strongest tools to protect youth from drug addiction and other social evils.
At Sports Stadium Kathua, Zone Sallan defeated Zone Marheen by 2-1 sets in a closely contested Volleyball match.
In Kabaddi, Zone Marheen registered a dominant victory over Zone Lakhanpur with a margin of 27 points.
Zone Marheen also defeated Zone Hiranagar by 4 points in Kho-Kho.
In Chess and Football competitions, Zone Hiranagar emerged victorious in their respective matches.
In Badminton, Zone Marheen outclassed Zone Hiranagar to secure victory.
At Naz Ground Billawar, Mahanpur defeated Bhaddu by 10 points in Kabaddi, while Billawar defeated Bhaddu by 2-0 sets in Badminton.
In Volleyball, Bani defeated Bhaddu by 2-0 sets. In Kho-Kho, Basohli defeated Bani by 3 points and one inning.
Officials informed that the winning teams from lower zones will now compete against the winners of upper zones in the finals, after which the district team will be selected to represent Kathua at higher-level tournaments.