DYSS celebrates with sports, wellness drive across J&K

Srinagar, Mar 8: In a resounding tribute to the spirit, resilience, and empowerment of women, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports J&K (DYSS) on Sunday organised a mega celebration to mark the 140th International Women’s Day.

The event, as per the DYSS statement, characterised by a blend of physical wellness and digital connectivity, saw the participation of thousands of young girls and women officials across the Union Territory. The centrepiece of the celebration was an intensive Yoga Session held at the Sports Complex, Directorate of YSS, Wazir Bagh. Approximately 300 students and field officials gathered at the venue, transforming the complex into a hub of vitality.

To ensure a wider impact, the session was telecast live via virtual platforms, allowing participants from remote corners of J&K to follow the instructor in real-time. The initiative, spearheaded by the Director General of YSS, Anuradha Gupta, aimed to bridge the gap between traditional sports activities and holistic wellness. Under her leadership, District Youth Services and Sports Offices (DYSSOs) across all districts executed a series of women-centric sports events, ranging from athletics to indigenous games, fostering a culture of inclusivity and physical excellence. Speaking on the significance of the day, Director General Anuradha Gupta shared an inspiring message: “True empowerment is not a destination, but a journey of self-belief. By bringing our young girls onto the yoga mat and the sports field, we are not just building athletes; we are building leaders who carry the strength of discipline and the grace of resilience.

When a woman moves forward, she carries the entire society with her.” The celebrations extended far beyond the city, with each district adding a unique dimension to the movement: Under the theme “Nari Shakti,” the district Kishtwar emphasised the moral and social pillars of the movement, highlighting that a woman’s sacrifice and dedication make her one of the strongest pillars of humanity. The spirit of competition reached the zonal levels in Budgam through a series of debates and sports activities, encouraging young girls to express their ideas on gender equality while staying physically active. In district Kulgam, over 100 female field staff members, including PETs and REKs, took to the field for tug-of-war and volleyball, proving that leadership in sports starts from within the department. Bandipora district focused on honouring excellence by felicitating national-level players in Rugby and Kabaddi, showcasing local icons like Simran Mushtaq and Aakla Bashir as inspirations for the next generation. While Celebrating tangible success, district Poonch concluded its events by awarding medals to National School Games achievers, with nearly 360 female participants demonstrating the massive scale of sporting talent in the region. A Milestone for J&K The Directorate’s commitment to “Sports for All” was on full display as field officers and young students joined hands to break stereotypes. Different sports and recreational activities were organised in other districts also by the Directorate of YSS to make the day a remarkable one for girls and women of these districts.