Bandipora : The Bandipora Police on Sunday started the Knockout Volleyball Championship 2026 under its Civic Action Programme, with 16 teams from different areas of the district taking part in the tournament.
The championship is being held at Government Boys High School, Bagh, Bandipora. The initiative aims to encourage young people to take part in sports, provide them a platform to showcase their talent and keep them engaged in positive activities.
DySP Headquarters Bandipora Zafar Mehdi attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. SHO Bandipora Qaisar Bashir and Padma Shri awardee and NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan Brand Ambassador Faisal Ali Dar were also present on the occasion.
The opening match was played between Young Spikers Bandipora and Nadim Volleyball Club.
Young Spikers Bandipora won the match 2-0 after securing the first set 25-15 and the second set 25-21.
The championship will feature teams from different parts of Bandipora in a knockout format.
Speaking to the media, Padma Shri awardee and NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan Brand Ambassador Faisal Ali Dar said the tournament would help promote a strong sports culture in Bandipora and provide youth with a positive platform to showcase their talent.
“I invite all volleyball lovers of Bandipora to come and enjoy this tournament. Through this tournament, we want to promote a strong sports culture in Bandipora. A total of 16 teams have registered for the tournament, and we are happy to see such an encouraging response from the youth. The District Police is also making every effort to make this tournament successful and better organised,”Faisal Ali Dar, Padma Shri awardee and Brand Ambassador for the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan.
As part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign, the District Administration and Police are promoting sports among youth.
Various sports activities are being encouraged to keep young people engaged in positive pursuits.
The initiative aims to provide youth with healthy platforms to showcase their talent.
It also seeks to channel their energy towards productive activities and away from drugs.
Emphasising the importance of sports.
“The District Administration and Police are continuously running campaigns against drugs. When our youth remain engaged in sports activities, they are more likely to stay away from drugs. Our aim is to provide young people with positive platforms where they can showcase their talent and stay connected with sports,” he added.
