POONCH, Nov 7: : The two-day District Poonch Ball Badminton Championship 2026–27 concluded successfully on November at Government Middle School Hurmi Dakhi, Seri Khawaja Ground, Poonch. The championship was organised by the District Poonch Ball Badminton Association under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Ball Badminton Association, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
A total of 14 teams from boys’ and girls’ categories participated in the championship, competing across Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior levels. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation and showcased the sporting talent, discipline, teamwork and competitive spirit of young players from different schools and clubs of District Poonch.
The championship was inaugurated and attended by Khawaja Muzaffar Ahmed, Zonal Physical Education Officer, as the Chief Guest. Madam Zeenat Kousar, Headmaster, Government Middle School Hurmi Dakhi, Seri Khawaja, and Syed Zakir Hussain Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Unit Poonch, attended as Guests of Honour.
The Special Guests included Shamim Ahmed Lone, Mohd. Ayoub from the PDD Department, and Mr. Parvaiz Musharaf, Incharge, Ilahia Public School, Surankote.
The competition was officiated by referees Israr Choudhary and Mohd. Saleem, whose efforts ensured the smooth and fair conduct of the matches.
Championship Results
Sub-Junior Boys: Winner – Khanetar Club; Runner-up – Sanai School; Second Runner-up – Ilahia Public School, Surankote.
Junior Boys: Winner – Sayeed Public Higher Secondary School, Khanetar; Runner-up – Ilahia Public School, Surankote; Second Runner-up – Naharia Club.
Senior Boys: Winner – Higher Secondary School, Khawaja; Runner-up – Khanetar Club; Second Runner-up – Hurmi Dakhi Seri Khawaja Club.
Promoting Youth Engagement Through Sports
Addressing the participants, the dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the District Poonch Ball Badminton Association for organising the championship and providing a platform for young boys and girls to participate in organised sporting activities.
They motivated the players to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their goals. They emphasised that sports play a vital role in keeping youth physically fit, mentally strong and away from negative social influences. Such competitions encourage teamwork, leadership, confidence and a spirit of healthy competition among young people.
The championship also served as an important grassroots-level initiative to identify hidden sporting talent from schools, clubs and rural areas and provide emerging players with opportunities to progress towards higher-level competitions.
The dignitaries encouraged the association to continue organising such events to strengthen the sports culture in District Poonch and engage more youth, particularly girls, in sporting activities.
At the conclusion of the championship, trophies, medals and certificates were distributed among the winning and runner-up teams.
The District Poonch Ball Badminton Association expressed its sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, participating schools, clubs, physical education teachers, coaches, referees, volunteers and players for their valuable support and cooperation in making the championship a grand success. “Engage Youth in Sports, Discover Grassroots Talent and Build a Healthy, Disciplined and Champion Generation.”