STATE TIMES NEWS
BANIHAL: The 36th Ramban District Volleyball Championship came to a thrilling conclusion at PM Shri Govt. Higher Secondary School Tathar, Banihal, with Nivia Sports Volleyball Club Perhinder Ramban being crowned champions.
In an exciting final, Perhinder defeated Monister Spikers Volleyball Club Khari by 3-1 (25-23, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23).
Earlier in semifinals, Nivia Sports Club beat Super Star Nora Volleyball Club by 2-0 (25-18, 25-20) and Monister Spikers Volleyball Club Khari beat Chenab Valley Volleyball Club Ramban by 2-1 (25-19, 22-25, 15-6).
the matches were officiated by a panel of referees including Mujahid Hussain, Khalid Rasool Padder, Shah Nawaz Khan, Abid Sohil and Farooq Ahmed Bhoru.
The closing ceremony was graced by DSP Traffic Banihal, SP Singh, as the Chief Guest, with Captain Lokash Rathore of 12 R/R as the Guest of Honour.
Principal of the host school, Mohd Abass Giri, presided over the function.
The chief guest, a renowned former hockey player, encouraged the youth to embrace sports and education to foster overall growth and steer clear of social evils like drug addiction. He also urged safe driving practices, particularly the use of helmets.
Twelve teams participated in the two-day championship, displaying impressive skills in the snow-capped mountains of Tathar, a remote village hosting the Khelo India Center. The championship was organized by the Volleyball Association of J&K in collaboration with J&K Sports Council.
The championship was also a stepping stone for the Ramban district volleyball team, which has been selected to represent the district in the upcoming JKUT Volleyball Championship in Jammu from 13th to 15th December 2024.
The event saw participation from local dignitaries, including DSP Banihal Manjeet Singh, SHO Banihal Aashiq Bukhari, and several teachers and sports enthusiasts.
The chief guest announced the donation of four volleyballs and a net to the Khelo India Center at Tathar to support the development of local players.
The closing ceremony concluded with the presentation of mementos to the dignitaries by the office bearers of the Volleyball Association of J&K, including CEO Kuldeep Magotra, Vice President Abdul Ahed Shah, General Secretary VK Magotra, and Treasurer Romesh Sharma.
The nine-day sports promotion drive in the Chenab Valley region was a successful culmination of the Volleyball Association’s efforts to promote sports in J&K.