Director YSS Inaugurates ZPEO Hajin, Kick Starts Traditional Sports Activities In Town

Hajin, June 20: The Director Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K Subash C Chhibber on Tuesday visited Hajin in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. He was accompanied by Additional Secretary to Government Youth Services and Sports Department Waseem Raja and Joint Director Kashmir of the Department Waseem Raja. He declared the festival of reviving traditional sports open by cutting a ribbon and setting pigeons free. Chhibber while appreciating the organisers stated that Hajin has a rich history of promoting and propagating Kashmiri culture and to begin the revival of traditional sports activities programme from here is a good omen. Director YS&S along with other senior officers visited different corners of Higher Secondary School Hajin ground to witness fun-filled activities of Saz Loung, Hopscotch, Santooli Garam, tip-cat Latikij Loth, and many other traditional games which were popular in Kashmir for decades. The senior and elderly population of the area had gathered in huge numbers to take a view of school children playing games and recreational activities of their childhood times. On the way to Hajin Director YS&S and other officers visited Higher Secondary School Mujgund and shared their valuable ideas and good wishes with the sporting talent of the school.
An impressive inaugural function was organized by Zonal Physical Education Office under the supervision of District Youth Services and Sports Office Bandipora. Additional Secretary YS&S while highlighting the importance of traditional sports said that it’s high time that we let our young generation know which games our Kashmiri brethren used to play during past years. He hoped that this event would act as a launching campaign for the revival of traditional sports activities in entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Joint Director Kashmir highlighted the role of such events in fostering a sense of community, promoting physical fitness, and nurturing the sporting talent of the region’s youth.
As a testament to their commitment to recognizing exceptional sporting achievements, an award ceremony was held to honor participants and outstanding sportspersons who have displayed exemplary skills and dedication in their respective disciplines during recently held National and Divisional Level games. The recognition bestowed upon these individuals serves as a motivation for them to continue their pursuit of excellence.
Furthermore, a field visit was made to the Gandbal playfield to assess and explore the potential to develop the same on modern lines. This visit demonstrated their commitment to improving sporting infrastructure and facilities, ensuring that the region’s aspiring athletes have access to the necessary resources to excel in their chosen disciplines.
The event served as a platform to celebrate traditional sports, encouraging their continued practice and fostering a sense of pride in the region’s sporting heritage.
The officers later unveiled the newly constructed Zonal Physical Education Office (ZPEO) Hajin.
Azhar Hajini I/c Media & Publicity Wing of the Department presented a formal welcome address.
The Traditional Sports Mela witnessed an overwhelming participation of approximately 1000 students and locals who came together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. The event showcased a vibrant display of cultural events and included a skit highlighting traditional games. The performance of young student artists was highly appreciated by the audience. District Youth Services and Sports Officer Bandipora Nazir Ahmed, Principal Government Higher Secondary School Hajin, ZEO Hajin, SO Planning Section Directorate of YS&S, Chairman Idara e Awkaaf Hajin Haji Ghulam Nabi Dar, President Halqu e Adab Sonawari Shakir Shafi, President Wahab Cultural Society Hajin Dr Reyaz ul Hassan besides a huge gathering of school children were present in the event.