League of Classics Football Tournament Kicks Off in Poonch, U-17 Boys Display Impressive Talent

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

POONCH MARCH 11:-The Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS), District Poonch on Wednesday successfully organized Day-1 of the Youth Engagement Inter-Block District Level Tournament under the flagship initiative “League of Classics” at the Sports Stadium Poonch, marking an energetic beginning to the much-awaited youth sporting event.

The opening day featured thrilling Under-17 boys football matches, where young players from different blocks of the district showcased remarkable talent, determination and sportsmanship. The stadium remained lively with enthusiasm as teams competed passionately, reflecting the true spirit of youth engagement through sports.

The tournament is being organized under the leadership of Anuradha Gupta, JKAS, Director General Youth Services & Sports J&K, and under the supervision of Mohd Qasim, DYSSO Poonch, along with Vijay Kumar Sharma, Activity Incharge, who continue to promote grassroots sports and youth empowerment across the district.

Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Poonch, Shamaoun Ahmed Shakir, attended the event as the Chief Guest and formally declared the tournament open. While interacting with the players, he encouraged the youth to actively participate in sports and pursue it with dedication, discipline and the spirit of healthy competition.

Players from various blocks demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience and discipline, aligning with the core objective of the Youth Engagement Programme—channelizing the energy of youth into constructive activities through sports and structured competitions.

The event was conducted smoothly with efficient coordination by the officials of the Youth Services & Sports Department, who ensured proper management of the matches and adherence to tournament rules. Officials appreciated the young athletes for maintaining discipline, enthusiasm and fair play on the field.

Officials stated that such initiatives play a vital role in identifying and nurturing grassroots sporting talent, promoting physical fitness and strengthening youth participation in positive activities. The League of Classics aims to provide a competitive platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and develop a lifelong passion for sports.

The tournament will continue over the coming days with more exciting matches, further boosting the sporting culture and youth engagement in the district.