UDHAMPUR, Aug 21: The Department of Youth Services & Sports, Udhampur, organised District-Level Inter-Zonal Tournaments for Under-19 Boys and Girls in Judo, Karate, Boxing, Taekwondo, Kho-Kho, Volleyball and Handball at Mini Stadium and Subhash Stadium, Udhampur.
As many as 164 young sportspersons, including 103 boys and 61 girls, drawn from different Higher Secondary Schools of District Udhampur participated in the competitions with great enthusiasm and sporting spirit. The events were conducted under the patronage of Director General, Youth Services & Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, Smt. Anuradha Gupta, JKAS, and under the overall supervision of District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Udhampur, Tarseem Singh.
DYSSO Udhampur Tarseem Singh was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Interacting with the participating sportspersons, he welcomed the young athletes and highlighted the importance of sports in developing discipline, confidence, teamwork, physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He also sensitised the participants about the harmful effects of drug abuse and urged them to stay away from drugs and channelise their energy towards sports and other constructive activities.
The events were also attended by Vijay Kumar, ZPEO Udhampur/Panchari, and Jyoti Devi, ZPEO Jib, who encouraged the participants and appreciated their enthusiasm and sporting spirit. As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, a pledge was administered to the participating sportspersons, officials and staff, reaffirming their commitment towards creating a healthy and drug-free society.
The smooth conduct of the tournaments was supported by PEMs, PETs, REKs, NYC/NYK volunteers, Ground Men and other staff of the Department of Youth Services & Sports.
In Under-19 Boys’ Judo, Vansh Sharma of HSS Garhi, Zone Udhampur, won the 45 Kg category, while Rajinder Singh of HSS Garhi, Zone Udhampur, secured first position in the 55 Kg category. Abhay Sharma of CPS, Zone Jib, emerged winner in the 60 Kg category.
In Karate, Arun Bharti and Vishal of Boys HSS Udhampur, Zone Udhampur, won the 45 Kg and 50 Kg categories respectively, while Angat Sharma of NITL HSS Udhampur, Zone Udhampur, topped the 62 Kg category.
In Boxing, Laksh Kumar of AOC, Zone Udhampur, won the 46 Kg category. Pankaj Singh of Boys HSS Udhampur won the 49–52 Kg category, while Rajan Singh of the same institution secured first position in the 52–56 Kg category.
In team events, Zone Udhampur emerged victorious in Handball, defeating Zone Babey 14–12. In Volleyball, Zone Udhampur defeated Zone Ramnagar 2–1 to claim the title.
The tournament provided young athletes with a valuable platform to showcase their sporting talent while reinforcing the importance of fitness, discipline, sportsmanship and a drug-free lifestyle.