Bhaderwah, Aug 18: The zonal level under-19 tournament for boys and girls under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI-Khelo India) initiative commenced today in Bhadarwah, aiming to promote sports among rural youth and provide them with a professional platform.
Three hundred students, including 150 girls, from higher secondary schools in the Bhadarwah zone will compete in 21 different sports over the three-day tournament.
Vijay Kumar Kotwal, Zonal Physical Education Officer for Bhadarwah, stated, “The SGFI initiative further boosts the Union government’s Khelo India program. It will go a long way in promoting sports among rural youth while helping to groom raw talent and provide them a platform to showcase their skills at a professional level.”
Senior journalist Tahir Nadeem Khan Yusafzai was the chief guest at the inaugural function of the tournament.
The event features a diverse range of sports, including kabaddi, volleyball, kho-kho, chess, handball, and badminton, among others.