Inter-District UT Level Cricket Competition Begins in Poonch Organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Poonch

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

POONCH OCT, 25:-As part of the YSS Activity Calendar 2025–26, the Inter-District UT Level Cricket Competition (Under-17 Girls) commenced today in Poonch, featuring teams from 14 districts across Jammu & Kashmir.

The opening ceremony took place at Sports Stadium Poonch and College Ground Poonch. Mohan Lal Sharma, ASP Poonch, inaugurated the event as Chief Guest at Sports Stadium, while Aurangzeb Ahmed, Vice Principal, SKC Degree College Poonch, served as the Chief Guest at College Ground.

Addressing the young sportspersons, ASP Sharma motivated them with the message: “Say no to drugs, yes to sports.” He appreciated the Department’s dedicated efforts toward youth engagement and sportsmanship.

The event is being held under the leadership of Smt. Anuradha Gupta (JKAS), Director General YSS, J&K UT, and the guidance of Smt. Vinakshi Koul (JKAS), Joint Director YSS. The overall supervision is being provided by Mr. Mohd Qasim, DYSSO Poonch, who lauded the enthusiasm of the participants and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent.

The Directorate of YSS has constituted a Selection Committee to ensure a transparent and merit-based process for identifying outstanding players who will represent the Union Territory in higher-level competitions.

Mr. Vijay Kumar, Activity Incharge, coordinated the arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of matches. A team of dedicated officials from ZPEO, PEL, PEM, PET, and REK contributed to maintaining fairness and discipline.

Key Officials:Venue Incharge: Pervaiz Ahmed (PEL)Convener: Pawan Kumar (PEL)Technical Incharge Ground 1: Pervaiz Ahmed (REK)Technical Incharge Ground 2: Gurvinder Singh (PET)

Match Results – Day 1 Poonch beat Rajouri Srinagar beat Budgam Anantnag beat Kathua Udhampur beat Kupwara Kulgam beat Jammu Shopian beat Samba

The matches witnessed spirited performances from talented young cricketers who displayed skill, discipline, and sportsmanship. The tournament serves as a platform for identifying emerging players for future state and national-level events.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohd Qasim (DYSSO Poonch) praised the efforts of participants, coaches, and supporting staff. He expressed pride in the achievements of Poonch athletes and stated that such events embody the Youth Services and Sports Department’s mission — empowering youth and promoting holistic development through sports across Jammu & Kashmir.