Raj Guru
Fourth Police Martyrs Memorial State level Volleyball tournament was organised by DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Police (J and K ) under its Civic Action Programme in the memory of martyrs who scarified their precious lives for the unity and integrity of the nation in protecting the lives of innocent people. Tournament was organised at Mini Stadium with effect from 25th to 28th February 2016 in which eight teams from various parts of the State i.e Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Ramban, Udhampur and Ramnagar etc participated.
Since volleyball game is the hub and traditional as well as popular game of the town and rural area of district Udhampur as such DIG took the decision to conduct the volleyball tournament.
The prize money to the tune of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 for the winner, runners up and for the third place respectively was awarded nesides cash award of Rs. 2,000 to the best player of the final match. DIG took this initiative by conducting a meeting with Volleyball Association of district Udhampur. Volleyball Association of J and K played a pivotal role by deputing/sending the teams for participation . Pertinent to mention that proper facilities to the out station teams with regard to their boarding and lodging, transportation and refreshment were provided. Every participating team expressed their entire satisfaction over the decent balanced diet provided.
The tournament was inaugurated by Rajesh Kumar IPS IGP Director SKPA Udhampur and paid homage to the martyrs by lighting traditional lamp and balloons were also released as a mark of respect to the Martyrs and for restoration of peace and harmony. In his inaugural speech DIG and IGP expressed that sports not only strengthen the bond of brotherhood but also pave the way for coordination and inculcate sportsman spirit and keep youth away from addiction of drugs.
A large number of prominent citizens were present and big gathering witnessed the inaugural match. DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range extended warm welcome to the participating teams. SSP Udhampur Suleman Choudhary who was the Chairman of the Organising Committee was also present who also highlighted the importance of sports.
Volleyball Association of District Udhampur extended full cooperation and worked hard and left no stone unturned in making the tournament all success. Nodal Officer Bodh Raj (Dy.SP) this time again proved his efficiency and capability by performing his duties in making the tournament more attentive and decent.
Naresh Singh Jamwal Dy. SP, Ramesh Panotra, Arun Jamwal Dy. SP, ASI Jang Bahadur Sing worked with full spirit and zeal.
Swatara Dev Kotwal ( Advocate) assisted by Ajeet Singh (PEM) rendered his services for conducting the proceedings and commentary. Youth Services and Sports Department also detailed its officials. SHO Udhampur was also alert.
Final match of the tournament was played in flood light at Mini Stadium which was raised with the sincere efforts of Volleyball Association of District Udhampur when Ajay Khajuria with the DC Udhampur and Surinder Gupta was the SSP Udhampur.
Danish Rana IGP Jammu Zone was the Chief Guest who declared the tournament closed and gave away the trophies and cash award of Rs. 20,000, 15,000 and 10,000 to the winner, Runners-up and the third placed teams. Mementoes were also distributed to all the officials deputed by YSS Department and Volleyball Association district Udhampur and gifts were given to the NoKs of Police Martyrs as a mark of respect on the occasion.
Earlier in his speech IGP expressed that sports activities should invariably be conducted every now and then to inculcate the national spirit discipline and sports-spirit among youth. Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary DC Udhampur was the Guest of Honour who also highlighted the importance of sports to maintain brotherhood and communal harmony. He also announced a park in 184 Kanals of land at Malhar near Garhi dedicated to late CaptTushar Mahajan who attained Martyrdom in Pampore on 21st February 2016 in fighting terrorists attack.
Public present in thousands appreciated the efforts made by DIG for conducting such a glorious and decent function. Whole of the gathering was served tea and snacks during the occasion on open and closing . Additional SP M.L Kaith also expressed his views on sports in the memory of Martyrs.
Sincere gratitude was expressed by Surinder Gupta DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range to all the participants and the public who witnessed and made the tournament success.
Finally vote of thanks was presented by SSP Udhampur Mohd Suleman Choudhar.
(The author is Sr. Vice President Volley Association of J and K)