The victory is a matter of immense pride and honour for the entire District Kulgam, as the young cricketers emerged champions at the UT level through their dedication, teamwork and outstanding sporting performance.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner lauded the young players for their remarkable success and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Department of Youth Services and Sports in nurturing sporting talent and promoting a strong sports culture among the youth.

District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Kulgam, team coach and officials from the DYSSO Office were also present on the occasion.

The felicitation served as a source of motivation for the young champions and an encouragement for aspiring sportspersons across the district to pursue excellence in sports and bring further laurels to District Kulgam.

Naidkhai : Chinar FC, Andergam, emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the SKB Champions Cup, defeating Royal FC, Naidkhai, by 2–0 goals in a thrilling grand finale held at SKB Stadium, Naidkhai, on Friday.

The tournament was organised by Thunder FC and Kashmir Hunks, witnessing enthusiastic participation of football enthusiasts and a large gathering of spectators.

The grand finale was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, as the Chief Guest. Minister for Agriculture, Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat; MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone; and MLA Sopore Shri Irshad Rasool Kar attended the event as Guests of Honour.

The final match between Chinar FC, Andergam and Royal FC, Naidkhai, was marked by thrilling moments, competitive play and tremendous sporting spirit. The stadium was filled with enthusiasm as spectators cheered for their respective teams while the crowd maintained commendable discipline throughout the event.

The Deputy Chief Minister congratulated Chinar FC, Andergam, on winning the inaugural championship and appreciated both the teams for their performance and sportsmanship. He urged the players and youth to continue working hard and strive for excellence in sports as well as in other fields of life.

Addressing the gathering, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, extended his best wishes to the organisers and participating teams. He lauded the organisers for the smooth management and successful conduct of the tournament.

Emphasising the importance of youth empowerment, Nasir Aslam Wani said that prioritising young people and providing them with adequate opportunities in sports must remain a key focus.

During the prize distribution ceremony, the winning team, Chinar FC, Andergam, was presented with the championship trophy and a Cheque of ₹70,000 by the Deputy Chief Minister.

Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, presented a cheque of ₹30,000 to the runner-up team, Royal FC, Naidkhai.

The organisers expressed gratitude to the players, public representatives, officers, spectators and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support in making the inaugural edition of the SKB Champions Cup a successful sporting event.

The event was also attended by the senior officers and officials of various departments of the district administration besides sports enthusiasts and the general public.

SSP Jail Poonch Choudhary Iftikhar Ahmed declared the championship open. He appreciated the department for giving young athletes a platform to showcase their talent and develop discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said sports shape character, promote physical and mental well-being and guide youth towards a purposeful future. He urged the players to pursue excellence through hard work, discipline and fair play.

The players qualified through a structured grassroots system, progressing from intramural activities through inter-school, inter-zonal and district-level competitions to the UT-level championship.

The championship also promotes a drug-free society by encouraging fitness, discipline and teamwork, and steering youth away from drug abuse and other harmful habits.

The event is being organised under the overall direction of Director General Youth Services and Sports J&K Anuradha Gupta and the guidance of Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Jammu Inderjeet Singh Parihar. District Youth Services and Sports Officer Poonch MohdQasim is supervising the championship with the support of Activity In-charge Vijay Kumar Sharma.

Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs), Physical Education Lecturers (PELs), Physical Education Masters (PEMs), Physical Education Teachers (PETs) and Rehbar-e-Khel (REK) staff are handling player preparation, coordination, match management, officiating and other arrangements.

SSP Jail Poonch inaugurates inter-district UT-level U-14 boys’ volleyball championship

K H News Service

Poonch | Oct, 23;The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir Friday inaugurated the Inter-District UT-Level U-14 Boys Volleyball Championship at BHSS Poonch. Teams from 18 districts are taking part in the five-day championship, being held from October 23 to 27, 2026.

SSP Jail Poonch Choudhary Iftikhar Ahmed declared the championship open. He appreciated the department for giving young athletes a platform to showcase their talent and develop discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said sports shape character, promote physical and mental well-being and guide youth towards a purposeful future. He urged the players to pursue excellence through hard work, discipline and fair play.

The players qualified through a structured grassroots system, progressing from intramural activities through inter-school, inter-zonal and district-level competitions to the UT-level championship.

The championship also promotes a drug-free society by encouraging fitness, discipline and teamwork, and steering youth away from drug abuse and other harmful habits.

The event is being organised under the overall direction of Director General Youth Services and Sports J&K Anuradha Gupta and the guidance of Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Jammu Inderjeet Singh Parihar. District Youth Services and Sports Officer Poonch MohdQasim is supervising the championship with the support of Activity In-charge Vijay Kumar Sharma.

Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs), Physical Education Lecturers (PELs), Physical Education Masters (PEMs), Physical Education Teachers (PETs) and Rehbar-e-Khel (REK) staff are handling player preparation, coordination, match management, officiating and other arrangements.

Both Indian U20 squads and the visiting New Zealand teams have arrived in Rajgir ahead of the series. The New Zealand teams received a traditional welcome at Patna Airport upon arrival in Bihar. The teams will participate in joint training sessions and cultural exchanges during their stay, leading up to the matches on 27 October.

The visiting New Zealand squads, Tama Toa (men’s team) and Hine Toa (women’s team), comprise 24 young Māori players selected from across New Zealand. Their visit marks the first time New Zealand’s U20 rugby teams have travelled to India for a series of this nature, making Rajgir the setting for a significant milestone in the sporting relationship between the two countries.

Rajgir has emerged as an important venue for rugby in India, having hosted the Senior National Rugby Championships in April 2026 and the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship in August 2025. Hosting the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series further strengthens the city’s association with the sport and brings another international rugby event to Bihar.

The series will culminate on 27 October with four Rugby Sevens matches at the Rajgir Sports Complex. The programme will feature a men’s match between India and New Zealand, followed by the women’s match and two mixed matches, bringing players from both countries together as teammates.

Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-CEO, Bihar State Sports Authority, said: “Rajgir hosting the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series is a proud moment for Bihar and reflects the state’s growing role in hosting major sporting events. Welcoming young players from both countries provides an opportunity to strengthen international sporting ties, encourage cultural exchange and inspire more young people in Bihar to take up rugby. We look forward to supporting the continued development of sports in the state and creating more opportunities for athletes to train, compete and excel.”

Rahul Bose, President, Indian Rugby Football Union, said: “100 years ago, New Zealand and India created history, establishing sporting ties between the two nations. Today, 100 years later, history will be created again with the first-ever New Zealand rugby team to visit Indian shores. For our young players, the opportunity to compete against New Zealand opposition on home soil will provide valuable exposure to the best practices in international rugby and provide impetus to their development. Training together, playing matches against each other and then (the highlight for me) playing two more matches as mixed teams (IND-NZ). What better testament to the power of sport in making nations stand shoulder to shoulder.”

Manu Albert, Head of the New Zealand Rugby delegation and Injury Prevention Wellbeing Programme Manager, said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating 100 years of sport uniting our two countries, helping Rugby India grow Sevens, and sharing our rugby knowledge, but equally to sharing our cultures and developing a lasting relationship through sport. There will no doubt be a competitive edge when the respective teams meet on the field, and we’re looking forward to playing a part in developing India’s young rugby players and coaches.”

The series builds on the growing rugby relationship between India and New Zealand. In May 2026, Rugby India hosted New Zealand Rugby coaches at Odisha’s Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for coaching workshops involving 35 Indian coaches. The Rajgir series continues this collaboration by bringing young players from both countries together through competition and cultural exchange.

The tournament was inaugurated by SSP Bandipora, Tahir Saleem, in the presence of senior officers of District Police Bandipora. The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation, with players demonstrating strong sporting skills and commitment to fair play.

The tournament was inaugurated by DySP PC Imamsahib alongside SHO Police Station Imamsahib as part of Police Commemoration Day observances. Both winning and runner-up teams were felicitated for their enthusiasm and exemplary teamwork.

Srinagar : Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse chaired the opening ceremony of the inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday. The occasion was attended by Shri Arun Sao, Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh; Smt. Laxmi Verma, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); and Shri Sardar Singh, Olympian and former captain of the Indian hockey team, along with other dignitaries. The league marks an important step towards strengthening the hockey ecosystem in Chhattisgarh by providing emerging local players with a structured platform for competitive exposure and development.

On Building Sporting Momentum in Chhattisgarh

Following the Khelo India Tribal Games, the Chhattisgarh Hockey League marks another significant sporting milestone in the state’s journey towards becoming a stronger sporting hub. While the Khelo India Tribal Games showcased the sporting talent of tribal communities, the league builds on this momentum by creating a dedicated platform for hockey players, strengthening grassroots competition and expanding opportunities for young athletes. Together, these initiatives reflect Chhattisgarh’s growing commitment to sports development and its potential to make a greater contribution to India’s sporting future.

Organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Chhattisgarh, and sanctioned by Hockey India, the league brings together six franchise-based teams representing different regions of the state. The inaugural season will run from 21 October to 1 November 2026 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium, Raipur.

On Strengthening Grassroots Hockey

Addressing the occasion, Union MoS Raksha Khadse highlighted the importance of creating structured sporting opportunities for young athletes and strengthening sports development at the grassroots. She emphasised that leagues such as the Chhattisgarh Hockey League can help bridge the gap between grassroots participation and higher levels of competition by enabling young players to compete alongside experienced national and international talent.

She underscored that developing sporting talent requires sustained efforts across the entire ecosystem, including quality coaching, competitive opportunities, sports infrastructure and institutional support. Providing young athletes with the right platforms to demonstrate their abilities is essential to building a stronger sporting culture and expanding India’s talent pool.

Union MoS Raksha Khadse also highlighted the importance of strengthening sports participation among youth in tribal and rural regions. Chhattisgarh has significant potential to contribute to India’s sporting future, and initiatives that connect local talent with established athletes can help young players gain experience, confidence and exposure to higher standards of competition.

On Cultural Identity and Celebrations

The league features six teams: Rajdhani Royals, Nyayadhani Knights, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Bailadila Bulls and Mainpat Titans. Each team comprises 22 players, including 18 players from Chhattisgarh and four players from outside the state. The squads also feature former Olympians as marquee players, bringing experience and competitive quality to the tournament.

A total of 132 players will participate in the inaugural season, including 108 players from Chhattisgarh and 24 guest players. The tournament will feature 18 men’s matches, followed by semi-finals and the final scheduled for 1 November. A women’s exhibition match will also be organised, providing an opportunity to showcase women’s hockey and encourage wider participation in the sport.

Sardar Singh, Olympian and former captain of the Indian hockey team, is the league ambassador. His association with the league is expected to inspire young players and strengthen their connection with India’s hockey legacy.

The league’s identity is rooted in the culture and spirit of Chhattisgarh. Its mascot, Baghwa, draws inspiration from the tiger, while the tagline, “Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo”, reflects the local character of the initiative and encourages people across the state to embrace hockey.

The opening ceremony also celebrates Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage through performances showcasing the state’s traditions, alongside entertainment and sporting tributes. Punjabi singers Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai are among the featured performers.

The tournament offers a total prize pool of ₹21 lakh, with ₹11 lakh for the winning team and ₹6 lakh for the runners-up. Individual awards will also recognise outstanding performances throughout the competition.

All matches will be played at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium, Raipur. Entry for spectators is free, and matches will be streamed live on JioHotstar, enabling hockey fans across the country to follow the competition.

The Chhattisgarh Hockey League reflects a broader effort to build a stronger sporting ecosystem by bringing together government support, sporting institutions, experienced athletes and emerging talent. By creating more opportunities for local players to compete and learn, the league seeks to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s contribution to Indian hockey and inspire the next generation of athletes.

R S Pora :Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Wednesday attended the traditional Dangal organised by the Dangal Committee, R.S. Pura, at Bana Singh Stadium, here, on the eve of Dussehra, witnessing an impressive display of strength, skill and sporting spirit.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of wrestlers from different regions and attracted a large gathering of sports enthusiasts and local residents. More than 100 bouts were held during the Dangal, reflecting the enduring popularity of traditional wrestling and its deep cultural roots in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shera Gujjar of Haryana emerged as the winner of the main bout, while Bhupinder Ajnala of Punjab secured the runner-up position. The winner was awarded a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while the runner-up received ₹80,000. A first maali carrying a prize of ₹1.80 lakh was also among the major attractions of the event. Overall, cash prizes exceeding ₹6 lakh were distributed among the participating wrestlers, recognising their talent, dedication and sporting excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma appreciated the Dangal Committee, R.S. Pura, for preserving and promoting the rich tradition of wrestling and providing a platform for wrestlers to showcase their abilities. He observed that traditional sports are an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage and play an important role in nurturing discipline, physical fitness, courage and sportsmanship among young people.

The Minister emphasised that wrestling and other indigenous sporting disciplines deserve sustained encouragement alongside modern sports. He said that grassroots sporting events help identify emerging talent, provide opportunities to young athletes and strengthen community participation in sports.

Satish Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, encouraging youth participation and creating opportunities for talented sportspersons to excel at district, national and international levels. He stressed that sporting activities can serve as a constructive channel for youth energy, fostering confidence, discipline and a spirit of healthy competition.

The Minister also appreciated the participation of wrestlers from Haryana, Punjab and other areas, noting that such sporting gatherings promote brotherhood, mutual respect and cultural exchange among people from different regions.

The Dangal was attended by former Minister Sham Choudhary, former Minister and President of Jatt Sabha Manjeet Singh, SSP J&K Police and international wrestler Dushayant Sharma among other dignitaries and sports enthusiasts.

The organisers expressed gratitude to the participating wrestlers, guests and spectators for making the event a success and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the tradition of organising Dangal competitions in R.S. Pura.

The event concluded amid enthusiasm and appreciation for the wrestlers, highlighting the continuing relevance of traditional wrestling as both a sporting discipline and an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural legacy.

Gandhinagar : In a historic achievement for Indian Para Table Tennis, Prachi Pandey, a Khelo India athlete training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (SAI NCoE), Gandhinagar, has clinched the Bronze Medal in Women’s Singles Class 6 at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Making her debut at the prestigious continental Games, the 33-year-old World No. 17 secured India’s first-ever medal in the event, marking a significant milestone for Indian Para Table Tennis and adding another proud chapter to the country’s achievements in para sports.

Prachi’s impressive campaign saw her advance to the semifinals, where she faced Iraq’s World No. 5 Najlah Al-Dayyeni, the reigning Paralympic and Asian Para Games champion. Her podium finish against a highly competitive international field reflects her growing stature on the global stage and years of sustained preparation.

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Prachi’s journey to international sporting success is an extraordinary story of determination, resilience and an inspiring career transformation. An M.Tech graduate from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, she worked as a full-stack software developer between 2020 and 2023 before deciding to pursue Para Table Tennis full-time. Despite the challenges posed by a progressive neurological condition, she has steadily established herself among India’s leading para paddlers.

Prachi has enjoyed an outstanding domestic career, winning national titles and maintaining an impressive record at the highest level of Indian Para Table Tennis. She secured gold medals at the National Para Table Tennis Championships in 2022 and 2023, besides emerging victorious at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in 2023 and repeating the feat at the 2025 edition.

Her international career has been equally impressive. Since winning her first International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) medal at the 2023 Brazilian Para Open, Prachi has accumulated 12 medals in ITTF ranking tournaments, comprising four silver and eight bronze medals. Her recent performances include silver at the 2026 ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast and bronze medals at the 2026 ITTF World Para Future Nakhon Ratchasima, the 2025 ITTF World Para Challenger Kaohsiung and the 2025 ITTF World Para Future Costa Brava.

A significant factor behind Prachi’s rise has been the structured high-performance training and institutional support extended through the Khelo India programme and SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, where she has been associated with the programme since June 2023.

SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, designated as the Nodal Centre for Para Sports, has been strengthening its high-performance ecosystem for para athletes through specialised coaching, sports science interventions, international competition exposure and comprehensive training facilities. Prachi follows an intensive training schedule comprising three sessions daily, supported by a multidisciplinary team providing strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, mental conditioning, rehabilitation and recovery services.

To strengthen her international competitiveness, SAI NCoE Gandhinagar has facilitated three international exposure opportunities, enabling her to gain valuable match experience against leading international players. Her preparation has also been supported under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC), with financial assistance amounting to approximately ₹26.86 lakh during the Asian Para Games 2026 cycle, in addition to the residential training facilities and comprehensive support available at the Centre.

Reflecting on her historic achievement, Prachi Pandey said, “Winning a medal for India at my first Asian Para Games is a dream come true and an incredibly proud moment for me. My journey from working as a software engineer to standing on the Asian Para Games podium has been full of challenges, sacrifices and determination. I am deeply grateful to the Sports Authority of India, the Khelo India programme and SAI NCoE Gandhinagar for the continuous support, quality training facilities and international exposure that have helped me reach this stage. I am equally thankful to my coaches, sports science team and everyone who has stood by me throughout this journey. This medal is a result of our collective efforts, and it motivates me to aim even higher and bring more laurels to the country.”

Prachi’s historic bronze is also a significant achievement for SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, which has been working towards developing NCoE Gandhinagar as a premier national training hub for para sports. With specialised training programmes across six para disciplines and an increasing emphasis on sports science, international exposure and athlete-centric support, the Centre continues to strengthen its contribution to India’s para sports development.

Her achievement underscores the impact of the Khelo India initiative and the Sports Authority of India’s sustained efforts towards building a comprehensive high-performance ecosystem, where promising athletes receive the necessary technical, scientific and institutional support to compete successfully at the international level.

From a career in technology to creating history on the Asian Para Games podium, Prachi Pandey’s remarkable journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance, sporting excellence and the transformative impact of sustained athlete development.

Gandhinagar : Overcoming personal hardships and years of determined struggle, TejalbenAmrajiDamor, a visually impaired sprinter training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (SAI NCoE), Gandhinagar, has won the Bronze Medal in the Women’s 200m T12 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Making her debut at the prestigious continental Games, the 24-year-old athlete from Gujarat also registered a personal best, marking a significant milestone in her international sporting career.

Tejalben had earlier clocked an impressive 25.25 seconds in the heats, finishing second in her heat to qualify for the final. Her performance demonstrated remarkable improvement over the 25.47 seconds she recorded while winning gold at the Dubai Para Athletics Grand Prix in September 2026. Her bronze medal and personal-best performance at the Asian Para Games represent the culmination of sustained preparation, disciplined training and an unwavering determination to succeed.

Speaking after her medal-winning performance, an emotional Tejalben dedicated her achievement to her coach, Nitin Choudhary, acknowledging the extraordinary commitment and personal sacrifices that contributed to her success. “First of all, I want to thank my coach. There has been tremendous hard work and discipline behind this medal. Even when Sunday was supposed to be a rest day, my coach never allowed our training to suffer. If we had a training session scheduled, he would be there. I want to thank him before anyone else, Tejalben said.

Reflecting on her journey, Tejalben spoke candidly about the challenges faced by her family and the determination that kept her sporting ambitions alive. Coming from a modest background in Dahod, Gujarat, she acknowledged the difficulties encountered during her journey while emphasising her resolve to succeed at the international level. At SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, she is provided with the necessary facilities and support for her sports training, including structured coaching, access to training infrastructure and other essential requirements, enabling her to focus on her athletic development and competitive preparation.

“We came here with great expectations, immense hard work and a strong determination to win. My journey has involved a lot of struggle, but I was determined that whatever the difficulties, I had to return with a medal,” she said. Tejalben began her para-athletics journey in 2022 and has since made steady progress at the national and international levels. Her achievements include a sixth-place finish at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2025, a gold medal at the National Championships in 2026 and gold at the Dubai Para Athletics Grand Prix in September 2026. Training under Coach Nitin Choudhary at SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, she has benefited from a structured high-performance training environment, dedicated coaching and sustained technical guidance.

Tejalben receives support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC), with financial assistance amounting to ₹2,05,961 extended towards her sporting preparations. In addition, SAI NCoE Gandhinagar provides the necessary training facilities, coaching support, sports infrastructure and other essential requirements for her preparation. This comprehensive support ecosystem has enabled her to train consistently, improve her performances and compete at the highest international level.

With the Women’s 400m T12 event, which she considers her primary event, scheduled shortly, Tejalben believes that the bronze medal has provided a significant boost to her confidence. She explained that winning a medal in the 200m was an important part of the strategy developed with her coach to build momentum ahead of the 400m competition. “My main event is the 400 metres, which is coming up next. My coach and I believed that winning a medal in the 200 metres would give us greater confidence for the 400 metres. Now, with this medal, I feel even more confident about giving my best in my main event,” she added.

Beyond her personal sporting ambitions, Tejalben aspires to establish a dedicated running track for visually impaired children in Dahod, Gujarat, with the objective of creating greater opportunities for children with visual impairments to participate in athletics and develop their sporting potential. Her bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2026 is a proud achievement for SAI NCoE Gandhinagar and Indian para-athletics. From overcoming personal challenges to standing on the podium at one of Asia’s biggest multi-sport events, Tejalben’s journey exemplifies perseverance, the importance of dedicated coaching and the impact of a supportive high-performance training ecosystem. As she prepares for the Women’s 400m T12 event, Tejalben will look to carry forward the confidence and momentum of her bronze medal-winning performance and pursue further success for India.