Kulgam Hurricanes lift South Kashmir Volleyball League title

Shopian, May 17: Batapora Sports Stadium in south Kashmir’s Shopian town was a riot of colours, noise and raw energy on Sunday as Kulgam Hurricanes locked horns with Anantnag Spartans in the final of the South Kashmir Volleyball League.

Amid deafening cheers, whistles and nonstop chants, Kulgam Hurricanes produced a commanding performance to outclass their rivals in straight sets, sealing a 3-0 victory to lift the title in style.

The four-day league, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on May 14. Featuring teams from Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, Poonch and Rajouri, the trans-Pir Panjal tournament showcased the growing volleyball culture across the region.

Ashiq Hussain, coach of Kulgam Hurricanes, told Greater Kashmir that the team’s disciplined approach and months of hard work paid off in the final. “The players showed tremendous coordination and commitment throughout the tournament,” he said.

He said five national-level players — Pankaj, Asghar, Amar, Vipin and Shakir — were part of the 14-member title-winning squad, adding depth and experience to the side.

MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, who was the chief guest on the occasion, congratulated the winning team and urged youngsters to stay away from drugs and embrace a healthy lifestyle through sports. “Sports is the best platform to channel the energy of youth in a positive direction and build discipline, confidence and unity,” he said

He also appreciated the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council for organising such tournaments and creating opportunities for youth to participate in different sporting activities across the region. He said sporting events not only help identify talent but also promote discipline, teamwork and a spirit of healthy competition among youngsters.

Members of the Shopian civil society, including Mitha Gatoo and Mansoor Magray, were also present on the occasion. They too lauded the efforts of the Sports Council and local organisers for successfully conducting the tournament and providing a vibrant platform for aspiring athletes from across the Pir Panjal and south Kashmir regions.