Jammu :Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Transport, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Science & Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, Saturday inaugurated the Faavos Taekwondo Cup at the Indoor Stadium, Budgam, amid enthusiastic participation of young taekwondo players from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The championship brought together hundreds of budding martial artists, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for taekwondo and the increasing sporting culture among the youth. The event reflects the sustained efforts of the government to promote grassroots sports and provide young athletes with opportunities to compete, excel and prepare for higher-level competitions.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the organisers for successfully hosting the championship and appreciated their efforts in promoting martial arts across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that sporting events such as the Faavos Taekwondo Cup play a vital role in identifying talent, encouraging healthy competition and instilling values of discipline, determination and teamwork among young people.

The Minister emphasized that the present government is working under a well knit strategy to create a vibrant sporting ecosystem by strengthening the infrastructure, expanding training facilities. It is being ensured that talented sportspersons receive every possible opportunity to compete and succeed at national and international platforms, he added.

“Sports are a powerful medium for channelising the energy of our youth in a positive direction. They not only promote physical fitness but also build confidence, resilience, leadership qualities and a spirit of discipline. Our aim is to ensure that every talented athlete, irrespective of his or her background, gets access to quality infrastructure, coaching and competitive exposure,” maintained the Minister.

Satish Sharma urged the participating athletes to remain focused, work hard and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. He encouraged them to view every competition as a stepping stone towards greater achievements. He expressed confidence that many of the young players participating in the tournament would go on to represent Jammu and Kashmir and the country with distinction.

The Minister also interacted with the players, coaches and sports officials, appreciating their dedication towards the development of taekwondo. He assured them that the Youth Services & Sports Department would continue to organise and support more such competitions to strengthen the grassroots sports and identify emerging talent across Jammu and Kashmir.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Youth Services &Sports Department, sports officials, coaches, athletes and local dignitaries. They appreciated the initiative and expressed confidence that such events would further strengthen the sporting culture and inspire greater youth participation across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Memorial Cricket Tournament, an annual regional sporting event, got underway Saturday bringing together 16 teams from across the region. The tournament, featuring 15 matches, will be held from June 20 to June 28, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the immense contribution of Dr.Masud Choudhary towards the welfare and development of the community, describing him as a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire the generations.

Regarding the league, the Minister emphasized that sports serve as an effective platform for channelizing the energy of young people towards positive and productive pursuits. He urged the youth to actively participate in sports and other constructive activities, describing them as vital tools for personality development, discipline, teamwork and social cohesion. He said that involvement in sports helps the young people stay away from social evils while fostering a spirit of healthy competition and excellence.

Rana reiterated the government’s commitment towards encouraging sports activities and creating opportunities for the young talent to excel at different levels. He appreciated the organizers for their efforts in providing a platform for budding cricketers and promoting a culture of sports in the region.

To boost sports infrastructure in the area, the Minister announced establishment of an Indoor Stadium in Mendhar to be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.00 crore. He also highlighted the ongoing works including the construction of Synthetic Sports Grounds in the area.

The tournament carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for the winning team and ₹60,000 for the runners-up besides individual awards for the outstanding performances.

Among those present were MLA Basohli Darshan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, ADC Kathua Mahima Madan, ADC Basohli Pankaj Bagotra and CPO Ranjeet Thakur, besides a large number of citizens and Yoga enthusiasts.

The Yoga session was conducted by a team led by District AYUSH Officer Dr Rakesh Sharma and Nodal Officer Dr Bodh Paul, along with other members of the AYUSH department, who guided participants through various Yoga asanas and explained their significance for physical and mental wellbeing.

MLA Basohli Darshan Singh appreciated the initiative of the District Administration and said promoting Yoga at such scenic locations helps spread the message of health and wellness among the masses. He said Yoga is highly relevant Saturday and called for a collective resolve to adopt “Yoga 365” by practising it daily for a healthier lifestyle.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma said the series of Yoga awareness activities organised across the district ahead of International Day of Yoga-2026 was aimed at sensitising people about the health benefits of Yoga and encouraging its adoption as a way of life.

The DC called upon people to participate in the International Day of Yoga celebrations on 21 June and make Yoga an integral part of their daily routine.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the preparedness of various departments and stressed the need for close coordination to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event. Arrangements related to venue management, participation of students and youth, sanitation, drinking water, medical facilities, transportation, and security were discussed in detail.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to complete the assigned tasks well in advance and ensure foolproof arrangements for the celebrations. She emphasized that International Yoga Day serves as an important platform to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga among people of all age groups.

The District Nodal Officer, AYUSH, and the Youth Services & Sports Department were directed to work in close coordination with all line departments for the seamless conduct of yoga sessions and related activities across the district. The Deputy Commissioner also called for maximum public participation to make the event a grand success.

It was informed during the meeting that the main district-level celebration of International Yoga Day will be held at S.K. Stadium Bandipora on June 21. Similar programmes and yoga sessions will be organized simultaneously at the sub-divisional headquarters of Sumbal and Gurez, besides other designated locations across the district, to ensure wider participation and outreach.

International Yoga Day is observed annually on June 21 across the globe to promote health, wellness, and harmony through the practice of yoga.

Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, ZaffarHusson Shawl; Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora, Shabir Ahmad Wani; Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, District Information Officer, District Nodal Officer AYUSH, Block Development Officers, and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director AYUSH, Director SKICC, and senior officers from various departments, including Health, School Education, Sports Council, Fire & Emergency Services, Traffic Police and other stakeholder agencies.

The flagship event is scheduled to be held at the SKICC on June 21 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

Reviewing the preparations, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Director AYUSH to ensure the timely distribution of yoga mats and T-shirts among participants.

He further instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Deputy Director Planning (DDP) to formulate a comprehensive transportation plan to facilitate the smooth movement and punctual arrival of participants at the venue.

Deputy Commissioners apprised the chair of district-level arrangements, including the organization of yoga sessions at prominent tourist destinations and iconic locations, as well as provisions for live streaming of the event across all districts.

The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed logistical arrangements at the main venue, including the installation of a public address system for the National Anthem, installation of LED display screens, instructor platforms, drinking water facilities, sanitation arrangements, besides  distribution of refreshments to participants after the culmination of the event.

To ensure effective documentation and reporting of Yoga Day activities, he issued directions for heads of educational institutions to register on the AYUSH Department portal and upload photographs of events conducted under the International Yoga Day programme.

Also, Garg instructed all concerned officers to ensure the live streaming of the Prime Minister’s Yoga Day session.

Further, he stressed the need for seamless inter-departmental coordination and directed all departments to ensure that necessary arrangements are put in place well in advance for the successful conduct of the event.

During the meeting, the DC directed all concerned officers to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the event across the district. Stressing the importance of Yoga in promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being, the DC emphasised the need for maximum public participation and awareness. He directed that International Yoga Day be celebrated in all Government and Private Schools, Colleges, and all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across Budgam district to ensure the message of healthy living reaches every section of society.

The DC further instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to actively coordinate and supervise Yoga Day celebrations at their respective subdivision headquarters in collaboration with line departments, educational institutions and local stakeholders to ensure enthusiastic participation at the grassroots level.

The meeting reviewed arrangements relating to sanitation, drinking water, seating, medical aid, security, transportation, logistics, publicity and other essential facilities.

Officers from the Youth Services & Sports, Health, School Education, Higher Education, AYUSH, Information, Police and other line departments briefed the DC on their preparedness and action plans for the event.

The district-level celebration on June 21 will witness participation from government officers, students, athletes, NCC and NSS cadets, healthcare workers, Yoga enthusiasts and members of the general public, collectively promoting the message of fitness, wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

The DC urged all departments to work in close coordination to ensure flawless arrangements and make International Yoga Day celebrations a grand success throughout Budgam district.

Besides , ADDC Budgam Vivek Agarwal; PO ICDS Budgam, ADC Budgam, GM DIC Budgam, ASP Budgam,JD planning Budgam, SE R&B Budgam, all SDMs, ACP, DIO Information, CEO, CMO, DYSSO, CHO, and all other concerned District officers and officials were present in the meeting.

The programme was organised under supervision of District AYUSH Officer Kathua Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma.

Held under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the session encouraged citizens to adopt yoga as a regular wellness practice. Nodal Officer IDY-2026 Dr Bodh Paul conducted the awareness session and sensitised participants about the importance of yoga in maintaining overall health. Yoga Instructor Ankush Modeel demonstrated various asanas and pranayama techniques, while Dr Nittan Sharma highlighted the benefits of yoga in stress management and holistic well-being. The session also focussed on the harmful effects of substance abuse and participants took a pledge under the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan and 365 Days Yoga Countdown Campaign.

The programme was attended by officers from various departments, morning walkers, Dr Vishal Malagar along with his team and other prominent citizens. A total of 70 beneficiaries participated. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by District AYUSH Officer Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma.

During the interaction, the public projected various demands and developmental concerns.

Dr. Shahid Iqbal, while responding to the issues raised, assured the people that all their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned authorities for appropriate action.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner Secretary emphasized the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming border villages from the “last villages” into the “first villages” of the country. He stressed the need to accelerate the developmental activities in these strategically important areas and highlighted the immense potential of sports in empowering the border youth.

He said that sports infrastructure and opportunities in border areas would be strengthened to encourage greater participation of youth in constructive activities. He also appreciated the efforts of the district administration, particularly Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, for effectively projecting the livelihood generation projects under the Vibrant Villages Programme.

Dr. Shahid Iqbal lauded the cleanliness and upkeep of the border villages and remarked that the Ministry for Defence and Ministry for Home Affairs have consistently accorded priority to the development and welfare of border areas.

The Deputy Commissioner briefed the Commissioner Secretary about the ongoing initiatives being undertaken under the Vibrant Villages Programme. He stated that the district administration is committed to develop the identified villages as model villages through focused interventions in infrastructure, livelihoods, tourism and heritage conservation.

The DC highlighted the youth-centric livelihood projects, including establishment of milk collection and processing centres, aimed at generating sustainable employment opportunities. He also outlined plans for promoting border tourism and religious tourism to unlock the economic potential of the region.

He informed that several heritage revival projects have been projected to preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy of the area. He said that the visit of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to the district had significantly enhanced the seriousness and commitment of the field officers towards implementation of the developmental programmes.

He also briefed the Commissioner Secretary regarding the proposed Border Marathon and its role in promoting sports, tourism and youth engagement in the border belt.

Among others, ADC Nowshera, PO ICDS, CPO, ACD, DSWO and other district and sectoral officers besides the prominent citizens and public were present on the occasion.

The run was flagged off by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sumbal and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sumbal from the SDM Office Sumbal in the presence of officials, sports enthusiasts, and local residents.

After covering the entire route on foot, Sahil reached the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Bandipora, completing the challenging run in an impressive time and earning widespread appreciation from officials and the public.

With this achievement, Sahil became the first athlete from Bandipora district to complete the Sumbal-to-Bandipora route on foot, setting a new milestone in endurance sports in the district.

Speaking after the run, Sahil expressed gratitude to all those who supported him during the journey. He said the achievement would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of the District Administration Bandipora, SSP Bandipora, his sponsors, friends, and supporters.

“This achievement is incomplete without their support. Their encouragement motivated me throughout this journey and made this accomplishment possible,” he said.

The initiative aimed to spread awareness among the youth about the dangers of drug abuse while promoting sports, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle as positive alternatives.

Officials and members of the public praised Sahil’s dedication, commitment, and the powerful social message attached to the run, describing it as an inspiring example for young people across Kashmir.

Sahil dedicated the achievement to the youth of Kashmir and urged them to stay away from drugs by embracing sports and physical fitness.

Reiterating the campaign message, he called upon young people to choose life, health, and discipline over addiction, saying, “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs.”

The meeting primarily focussed on preparations for the main district-level function at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium, Reasi. The AYUSH Department was designated nodal agency in close collaboration with the departments concerned.

Officers were directed to make adequate arrangements for sanitation, drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, seating, medical assistance, traffic management and security at the venue.

The DC directed the officers concerned to mobilise students, youth, government employees, PRIs, volunteers and members of the general public to ensure maximum participation.

Similar International Yoga Day programmes will be organised at subdivision and block levels across the district.

Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal, Chief Planning Officer Narinder Kumar, Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Nitin Verma, Assistant Commissioner (Development) and representatives of Patanjali YogSansthan.