Kokernag, June 13: On the banks of the famous Bringi Nalah, the Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K organized a mega sports festival of Tribal communities at Dandipora Vailoo here.

Joint Director Kashmir of the Department of Youth Services & Sports J&K Waseem Raja graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his speech, he appreciated Zonal Physical Education Officer (ZPEO) Vailoo & Bidder for organizing such an amazing sports festival for the tribal communities of the district under the supervision of District Youth Services & Sports Office Anantnag.

He congratulated the participating tribal kids for showcasing their dedication towards sports activities and also highlighted the importance of sports activities for better health. He assured that the Department of YSS is committed to promote sports events for tribal population at the grass roots level. District Development Council (DDC) Member Breng Muneera Akhter along with DYSSO Anantnag, Zonal Physical Education Office Bidder, Incharge Media and Publicity Wing of the Department, and other senior officers and officials of the Department besides scores of people from different areas of the District were also present in the event.

On this occasion, DDC Member while highlighting the importance of sports activities especially for these tribal people thanked the Department for providing this maiden opportunity at such a large scale.

Competitions of Tug of War, Kabaddi & Desi Tribal Wrestling between the young tribal population of the area along with their traditional Cross Hook Stick with full sports spirit was part of the event.

It was for the maiden time that tribal kids were experiencing Kabbadi on the Synthetic Mat. The event started with an oath-taking ceremony.

All the participants and officials took an oath under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to make not only our community, family, friends, and ourselves drug free because change starts from within. It was pledged that all efforts shall be made to make India Drug-Free.

Various traditional cultural items of the tribal population were witnessed by Chief Guest & other guests along with hundreds of spectators present at the venue. More than 200 schoolchildren took part in the sports festival.

DYSSO Anantnag welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and all the participants for being part of Mega Tribal Sports Festival.  I/c M&P Wing threw light on the Sports for All initiative of the Department under which sports activities are being organized for specially-abled, elders and people of tribal areas.

Activity Incharge of DYSSO Anantnag briefed about the achievements of the District along with participation figures and also lauded the efforts of the field staff for making it possible. Presenting the Vote of Thanks, Zonal Physical Education Officer Bidder, thanked the Chief Guest & other Guests for gracing the occasion by sparing their valuable time for this tribal event at the far-flung area of the District and also thanked his supporting staff for making such an event successful by their dedicated approach and congratulated the participating students for making the event successful.