Jammu and Kashmir Police Hosts Kabaddi Tournament to Engage Youth
Promoting Youth Engagement Through Sports
On Saturday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police held a kabaddi tournament in Ramban as part of its Civic Action Programme (CAP). This initiative aims to foster youth involvement in sports, create opportunities for budding talent, and combat drug abuse among young people. The event attracted local kabaddi players, with officials emphasizing the significance of sports in fostering discipline, community involvement, and positive youth engagement.
Police Initiative to Engage Youth
Arun Gupta, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Ramban, stated that the kabaddi tournament is one of many activities organized throughout the district, following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters. He noted, "Civic Action Programmes are being implemented at various levels across the district to engage youth, support anti-drug campaigns, and provide a platform for showcasing talent. We plan to organize more events in the near future."
Encouragement from Local Officials
Deputy Commissioner Alyas Khan commended the participants for their skills and advocated for more competitions to help young athletes hone their abilities. He remarked, "The kabaddi players have shown remarkable talent, motivating other youths to engage in sports. I appreciate the SSP's efforts and urge that such events continue under the Civic Action Programme, offering youth a chance to shine."
Players' Perspectives and Aspirations
Virender Singh Raju, captain of the Ramban Blasters Kabaddi Club, expressed gratitude to the police for consistently organizing sports events, stating that these initiatives could elevate local players to higher competitive levels. He said, "The JK Police Ramban organized this Kabaddi tournament as part of the Civic Action Programme. I am thankful for the opportunities created, whether in marathons, volleyball, kabaddi, cricket, or kho-kho. I hope these events continue, allowing youth to excel and stay away from drugs and depression."
Raju also highlighted the achievements of young players, noting that three members of their under-19 team were selected for national kabaddi competitions. He added, "With continued opportunities, we hope to see athletes from Ramban competing on platforms like the Pro Kabaddi League or even internationally. We are grateful to the District Administration and JK Police Ramban for their support. The youth will play, and India will win."
Broader Sporting Initiatives in the District
This kabaddi tournament is part of a broader effort to promote sports in the district. Recently, the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, in partnership with the District Administration Ramban, hosted the Inter-Division Union Territory (UT)-Level Chess Competition 2026-27 at Yatri Niwas in Chanderkote. The event featured approximately 59 players from various divisions in Jammu and Kashmir across under-14, under-17, and under-19 categories for both boys and girls. The Jammu Division triumphed in all six categories, while the Kashmir Division secured the runner-up position in each event.