Historic Grassroots Volleyball League Concludes in Uchhad, Inspiring Youth and Strengthening Community Bonds

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

ALTAF HUSSAIN 

MENDHAR APRIL 15:-In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting youth engagement and fostering grassroots sports culture, the Jammu and Kashmir Grassroots Volleyball League concluded successfully at Government High School Uchhad, marking a new chapter in the sporting landscape of District Poonch.

The league, organized under the guidance of the Volleyball Association in collaboration with the Volleyball Foundation and the Brahmaputra Volleyball League, was conducted under the leadership of Mohd Tariq, Chairman of Shaheed Manjit Singh Volleyball Club Poonch and an international coach. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from young athletes across multiple tehsils, reflecting the growing passion for sports among rural youth.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohd Tariq stated that the primary objective of the league was to promote village-to-village interaction and provide a competitive platform for children at the grassroots level. He highlighted that matches were organized across key venues including Poonch, Mandi, Jallian, Salwa, and Chandak, making it one of the most extensive grassroots-level volleyball initiatives in the region.

“This is the first time such a structured competition has been organized for the Under-16 category in this region. It has not only ignited passion among children but also provided them with valuable exposure. The winning team from this circuit will represent the region in Assam at the Brahmaputra Volleyball League,” he said.

The league followed a unique and strictly enforced format where each team represented a single village, ensuring authentic grassroots participation. Players from outside the respective village or tehsil were not allowed, thereby preserving the integrity and spirit of local representation.

Mohd Tariq also acknowledged the efforts of Abhijit Bhattacharya, founder of the Brahmaputra Volleyball League and an international volleyball player, for extending support and vision to organize such an event in a far-flung and sensitive region like Poonch. He termed the successful execution of the league as a significant achievement under challenging circumstances.

Addressing the broader social context, Tariq emphasized the urgent need to safeguard youth from the growing menace of drug abuse and other harmful influences. He urged society, especially parents, to treat drug addiction as a disease rather than a crime and to seek timely intervention through rehabilitation and de-addiction centers.

“Our youth are the backbone of our future. No matter how much infrastructure we build or how many officers we produce, a nation cannot progress if its youth fall prey to drugs. We must unite as a society to protect and guide them,” he added.

Highlighting the lack of sponsorship in District Poonch, Tariq pointed out that most sports activities are currently supported through initiatives like Sadbhavana and Civil Action Programs by the Army and Police. He appealed to the business community to contribute towards youth welfare and sports development, stressing that even a small financial contribution can make a significant difference.

He also raised concerns about increasing mobile phone addiction among children and stressed the importance of physical activity. “The time between 4 PM and 8 PM is critical. Parents should ensure that children spend this time on playgrounds rather than on mobile phones. Sports not only keep them physically fit but also instill discipline and purpose,” he remarked.

Citing the example of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Tariq emphasized that sports today offer immense career opportunities and recognition at the highest level. He encouraged youth to pursue sports with dedication, noting that institutions like the Army and Police actively recruit sportspersons.

The grand finale witnessed Uchhad Club emerging as the champion in both boys’ and girls’ categories, bringing pride to the Aspirational Block Mankote. The achievement was widely celebrated by the local community and dignitaries present on the occasion.

Ex-BDC Aman Ullah Choudhary congratulated both teams for their outstanding performance and termed the victory as a proud moment for the entire region. He praised the efforts of Mohd Tariq and stated that having a dedicated and experienced coach like him is a blessing for the youth of the area.

Haji Mohd Saleem Jatt also appreciated the commendable efforts of Mohd Tariq, Chairman of Shaheed Manjit Singh Volleyball Club Poonch, for successfully organizing the grassroots league. He congratulated both the boys’ and girls’ teams of Uchhad for their remarkable achievement and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors.

The Deputy Commandant of BSF Uchhad, while addressing the players, highlighted that success is not limited to conventional career paths like IAS or KAS. “Achieving excellence in sports, representing the country, and receiving awards from the Prime Minister or the President of India are equally prestigious accomplishments,” he said, motivating the young athletes to aim high.

The league, which commenced in Poonch and expanded across various tehsils, concluded on a high note at Uchhad, leaving behind a strong message of unity, discipline, and hope. The initiative has not only strengthened the sporting ecosystem in the district but has also reinforced the importance of channeling youth energy towards positive and constructive pursuits.

The successful organization of the Jammu and Kashmir Grassroots Volleyball League stands as a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives and building resilient communities.