Youth Engagement Programme ignites grassroots sports push in Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Feb 22: The Department of Youth Services & Sports, District Kishtwar, on Sunday successfully organised the much-anticipated Youth Engagement Programme–2026 at Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar, marking a historic step towards strengthening grassroots sports culture in the district.

The programme, as per an official statement witnessed the grand launch of the “League of Classics,” featuring Block-Level Trial-cum-Selection competitions in multiple disciplines, including Cricket, Football, and Volleyball for U/17 and U/19 boys categories at the Inter-Panchayat Block Level, Kishtwar and Municipal Council Kishtwar.

The mega sporting initiative was conducted under the directions of Anuradha Gupta, Director General, Youth Services & Sports, J&K and Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, whose visionary leadership continues to provide a dynamic platform for youth engagement and talent identification across the Union Territory.

The programme was organised under the close guidance and supervision of Jaffer Haider Sheikh, DYSSO Kishtwar, who emphasised the importance of structured competitions at the grassroots level to nurture hidden talent and channel the energy of youth towards constructive sporting activities.

The selection trials witnessed enthusiastic participation from young sportspersons across different Panchayats and Municipal wards of Kishtwar, reflecting a massive response at the grassroots level. The competitions were conducted in a fair, transparent and merit-based manner by a panel of experienced officials and technical experts from the Department of Youth Services & Sports.

The presence of Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEO) Kishtwar and Nagseni further strengthened the supervision mechanism, ensuring the smooth conduct of trials and adherence to departmental norms. All officials of YSS Kishtwar actively coordinated the event, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and commitment.