Shopian, May 14 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the South Kashmir Volleyball League-2026 in Shopian, saying the tournament has become a strong platform for youth engagement and promotion of sports culture across south Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor also dedicated the Multipurpose Sports Indoor Hall at Arhama, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.94 crore, to the youth.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the South Kashmir Volleyball League, which started in 2021, has emerged as a major initiative for strengthening volleyball activities and encouraging youth participation in constructive activities.
He said the league is significantly contributing to the “Nasha Mukt J&K” campaign by promoting sports as a positive avenue for youth participation and social transformation.
Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister , a strong foundation has been laid for youth to realise their dreams and showcase their talent at national and international sporting arenas.
“By engaging large numbers of youth across the Union Territory in volleyball and various sporting activities and national integration programmes, the administration is successfully channelling the energy of the youth toward nation-building,” he said.
“Every serve and every spike on this volleyball court is a message that our youth are confronting challenges and moving forward as an integral part of the national mainstream,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
Highlighting the sports infrastructure development in Shopian, Sinha said around Rs 22 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure in the district over the last six years, while works worth Rs 8.80 crore are currently underway.
He said 20 Khelo India Centres are operational across south Kashmir, including five in Shopian, providing training and equipment to around 600 regular trainees.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged young sportspersons to act as role models and guide the younger generation towards a drug-free and healthier future. He reiterated the administration’s resolve to eliminate the narco-terror ecosystem from Jammu and Kashmir.
The four-day South Kashmir Volleyball League is being organised by the Volleyball Association J&K in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports , MLA Shopian , Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Shishir Gupta, SSP Shopian Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul and other senior officers, sports personalities and youth attended the inaugural function.(NVI)
