Naveed Ul Haq Ganaiee
Budgam, Aug 29: Two major sporting events were held in Budgam on Saturday to mark National Sports Day, drawing participation from hundreds of young players and sports enthusiasts.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer KNO, the District Budgam Tennis Ball Championship 2026 was inaugurated at Sports Stadium Budgam, with school students from different educational institutions participating in the event.
Organised by the District Budgam Tennis Ball Cricket Association under the supervision of Organising Secretary Abdul Rashid Lone, the championship witnessed the participation of around 300 boys and girls from several schools in the inaugural programme.
Organisers stressed the importance of sports in keeping youth physically active, disciplined and focused. He said greater participation in sporting activities could help steer youngsters away from drug abuse and other social challenges.
Students participating in the championship said the event gave them an opportunity not only to learn and improve their sporting skills but also to aspire to compete at higher levels in the future.
They said consistent participation and good performance could open opportunities for young players while also helping them stay away from drugs and encouraging them to positively influence others.
The two-day championship will conclude on August 30, 2026, providing young sporting talent with an opportunity to showcase their skills and promoting a culture of sportsmanship, discipline and healthy living across District Budgam.
Meanwhile, the sixth edition of the MPL T20 Cricket Tournament concluded at Gulshan Ground, Manchhama, with 32 teams from across Budgam district participating in the tournament.
The final was played between Rising Star Meeripoora and JC Enterprises Bandgam, with Rising Star Mirpura emerging victorious and lifting the championship trophy.
Organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the tournament aimed to engage youth through sports and spread awareness against drug abuse.
Speaking at the concluding function, organizer Muzamil Mehmood emphasised the role of sports in channelising the energy of youth towards constructive pursuits, while promoting discipline, confidence and teamwork.
The organisers reiterated the message “No to Drugs, Yes to Sports”, with the tournament coinciding with National Sports Day and focusing on healthy lifestyles, sportsmanship and youth participation.
Players taking part in the tournament said sports offered a positive way for youngsters to spend their time and build their future. They said engaging in sports was preferable to getting involved in activities that could damage their own lives as well as affect their families—(KNO)
