SRINAGAR: Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S) today marked a momentous chapter in the UT’s sporting history with the inaugural ceremony of the “Leagues of Classics” Inter-District UT Level Football Tournament at the iconic Polo Ground, here.
The event was graced by Anuradha Gupta, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, who officially kicked off the competition amidst great fanfare and athletic fervor.
While addressing a gathering of athletes and sports enthusiasts, the Director General articulated a visionary roadmap for the youth, noting that the “Leagues of Classics” is a dedicated platform designed to bridge the gap between students and non-students across all 20 districts of the UT. She emphasized that the Department is committed to creating an ecosystem where every young individual, regardless of their academic status, finds a home on the playing field.
The Director General delivered a powerful message regarding the transformative power of sports in nation-building and character development. “Our mission transcends the boundaries of the scoreboard; we are here to build a resilient generation that chooses the sweat of the stadium over the shadows of addiction. By bringing the Leagues of Classics to every Zone and district, we are not just playing a game, we are launching a movement to reclaim our youth from the clutches of drug abuse and social isolation. This tournament is a clear example of our belief that a ball at the feet of a youngster is the most potent tool we have to craft a future defined by health, discipline, and integrity,” stated Anuradha Gupta.
She further highlighted that the Department’s momentum is in full swing, with UT-level competitions for Cricket and Volleyball also underway and scheduled to reach their crescendo in the coming days.
The participants have arrived from Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Srinagar, Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban and Samba.
Earlier, the welcome address was presented by the District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Srinagar, Ghulam Hassan Lone, who expressed profound appreciation for the innovative and “out-of-the-box” initiatives spearheaded by the Directorate under the leadership of Anuradha Gupta. He underscored that such large-scale engagements serve as a vital mechanism for the Government to effectively curb the drug menace by keeping the youth constructively occupied.
In a significant highlight of the day, the Director General administered the “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan” pledge to the participants and spectators, reinforcing a collective commitment to a drug-free society.
Later, the Director General interacted with the teams participating in the inaugural match, encouraging them to play with the spirit of true sportsmanship.
The “Leagues of Classics” tournament, hosted by the District Youth Services and Sports Office Srinagar, will continue over the next few days.
