Indian Army Hosts Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Surankote, Boosts Youth Engagement Through Sports

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

ALTAF HUSSAIN 

SURANKOTE FEBRUARY 12:-The Indian Army on Thursday organized the Pir Panjal Winter Festival at AGL Ground, Surankote, drawing enthusiastic participation from local residents, youth, and sports enthusiasts across the region. The event aimed at promoting sports culture, unity, and positive social values, particularly among the younger generation.

A major highlight of the festival was an exciting girls’ Kho-Kho match that attracted a large crowd and earned widespread appreciation. The players were applauded for their discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, reflecting the growing interest of young girls in sports and physical fitness in the Pir Panjal region. The match served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and reinforced the importance of women’s participation in sports.

The festival featured a series of cultural and sporting activities, creating an atmosphere of celebration, harmony, and community bonding. Participants and visitors lauded the Indian Army for organizing a well-coordinated and meaningful event in the remote region, terming it a significant step towards strengthening civil-military relations.
Local residents expressed gratitude for the Army’s continued efforts in supporting social development initiatives. Many noted that such events play a crucial role in engaging youth in constructive activities and steering them away from drug abuse and other negative influences. Community members emphasized that regular sports and cultural programmes can provide a healthy platform for young people to showcase their talent, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.
Parents and elders also welcomed the initiative, stating that it encourages children to focus on education, discipline, and physical well-being.

Officials associated with the event highlighted that the primary objective of the Pir Panjal Winter Festival was to promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding in the region while fostering teamwork, patriotism, and social responsibility among participants.
The successful conduct of the festival once again underscored the Indian Army’s commitment not only to national security but also to the welfare and development of remote and border areas. The event concluded on a positive note, leaving behind cherished memories and renewed hope for more such initiatives in the future.

Residents have appealed for the continuation of similar programmes, expressing confidence that such initiatives will play a vital role in shaping a progressive and drug-free future for the youth of the region.