My Youth My Pride Summer Activities Promote Hockey Among Border Youth in Poonch
Poonch, Aug 5: The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, under its flagship “My Youth My Pride” (2026–27) initiative, organised Special Summer Activities at the Astro Turf Hockey Ground, Poonch, to encourage sports participation among youth, particularly in border and remote areas of the Union Territory.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Ms. Nuzhat Gul, and the supervision of District Sports Officer Jammu, Bashir Ahmed Bakshi. The initiative aimed at identifying young sporting talent and promoting a healthy, disciplined, and active lifestyle through sports.
More than 100 boys and girls enthusiastically participated in the hockey competitions, while five technical officials ensured the smooth conduct of the event. The competitions witnessed an overwhelming response from the public, with over 450 spectators turning up to cheer the young athletes.
Rashid Doustam, JKAS, Chief Planning & Accounts Officer, JPDCL Poonch, who was the Chief Guest, lauded the efforts of the Government and the J&K Sports Council for extending quality sports infrastructure and opportunities to youth living in border districts. He said such initiatives are instrumental in nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level and motivating youngsters to pursue sports as a positive way of life.
Refreshments were also served to all participating players.
The event was organised by Mushtaq Ahmed, I/C Manager, Sports Stadium Poonch, with the support of Zakir Hussain (Storekeeper), Ram Parkash (Supervisor), Navjot Singh (Hockey Mentor), Rohit Sharma (Boxing Mentor), Ameet Singh (Football Mentor), Richa Bali (Volleyball Mentor), and Owais-ud-Din (Badminton Mentor).
The J&K Sports Council has been conducting similar activities across the Union Territory under the “My Youth My Pride” campaign to strengthen grassroots sports, discover emerging talent, and inspire greater youth participation in sporting activities.
