STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The 37th Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Senior Volleyball Championship for men and women was formally inaugurated on Monday at the MA Stadium, Jammu.
The three-day mega sporting event is being organised by the Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir (VAJK) in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council. The championship was inaugurated by Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, in the presence of senior sports officials, players and volleyball enthusiasts.
More than 500 players and officials from across Jammu and Kashmir are participating in the championship, making it one of the biggest volleyball events in the Union Territory.
In the men’s section, a total of 21 teams are competing, including 20 district teams and one team from Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP).
In the women’s section, 10 teams are in the fray, with five teams from the Kashmir province-Anantnag, Srinagar, Baramulla, Shopian and Ganderbal-and five teams from the Jammu province-Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur and Jammu.
While addressing the gathering, Nuzhat Gul lauded the efforts of the Volleyball Association of J&K, led by Patron-in-Chief Raj Daluja and President Sidharth Daluja, for their consistent contribution towards promoting volleyball at national and international levels.
She appreciated the association for producing outstanding international volleyball players such as Saqlain Tariq, Mannat Choudhary, Wani Mahir and Nazir Sofi, who have brought laurels to the Union Territory and the country.
She assured full support from the J&K Sports Council for strengthening sports infrastructure, including the development of an indoor stadium at Jammu.
She also urged sports lovers and youth to actively participate in combating social evils, especially drug addiction, and highlighted the “My Youth My Pride” initiative of the J&K Government.
Earlier, General Secretary of the Association, V.K. Magotra, welcomed the dignitaries and presented a detailed account of the association’s activities since its inception in 1974.
He informed that the association has achieved several milestones at the national level and recently created history by winning the gold medal for the first time at the Khelo India Youth Volleyball Games held at Patna, Bihar.
He said these achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of players, coaches and officials. Magotra further disclosed that besides players, association officials including Kuldip Magotra (CEO) and Romesh Sharma (Treasurer), both Sher-e-Kashmir Award recipients, have represented India in international volleyball championships across more than half the countries of the world in different capacities, contributing significantly to the global promotion of the sport.
He also highlighted the logistical challenge of conducting nearly 25 matches daily on four volleyball courts located at two venues, including floodlight courts for late evening matches. A panel of national and state-level referees is officiating the matches, working tirelessly to ensure smooth and timely conduct of the championship.
Dr Ajay Sharma, JKPS, Superintendent of Police South Jammu, while speaking on the occasion, appealed to the youth to explore their hidden sporting talents and stay away from drug abuse. He emphasized that sports play a vital role in shaping disciplined individuals and in building a peaceful and progressive nation.
Before declaring the championship open, the dignitaries were honoured with mementoes by the organisers. Prominent among those present were H.S. Gill, Executive Vice President, Shakti, SHO City Jammu, office bearers of district volleyball associations affiliated with VAJK, O.P. Sharma, K.S. Arora, Ashok Sharma and a large number of sports lovers.
Results
MEN: Jammu defeated Kupwara 2-0; Poonch beat Budgam 2-0; Anantnag outplayed Ganderbal 2-0; JKP defeated Srinagar 2-0; Rajouri edged past Kulgam 2-1; Pulwama defeated Udhampur 2-0; Samba beat Shopian 2-0; Baramulla defeated Kathua 2-1; Doda beat Bandipora 2-1; Jammu defeated Rajouri 2-0; Poonch beat Udhampur 2-0; JKP defeated Kathua 2-0; and Kupwara beat Kulgam 2-0.
WOMEN: Jammu beat Anantnag 2-0 (25-15, 25-10), Udhampur beat Shopian 2-0 (25-19, 25-19), Samba beat Baramulla 2-0 (25-13, 25-19), Srinagar beat Poonch 2-1 (25-23, 17-25, 17-15), and Ganderbal beat Shopian 2-1 (23-25, 26-24, 15-12).
Jammu district has qualified for the quarterfinals in both men’s and women’s sections, putting up impressive performances in the ongoing championship. The teams displayed strong coordination, skill and determination to secure their spots among the top contenders. Their qualification in both categories reflects the depth of talent and effective preparation of Jammu district, boosting morale among players and supporters ahead of the crucial knockout stage.
All matches were officiated by qualified referees appointed by the association.
