SHOPIAN, Farhan Kitab (KIMS) — The Zainapora block of south Kashmir’s Shopian district witnessed an energetic display of youth participation on Wednesday as MY Bharat organised a lively block-level sports meet, bringing together young athletes from various villages.
The playground, usually home to small local matches, turned into a bustling arena with volleyball, badminton, track races and other athletic events, drawing loud cheers and enthusiastic community participation.
Chairperson of Smile Foundation NGO Masrat Jan attended the event and appreciated MY Bharat for promoting sports culture in rural areas. She interacted with the participants and said such initiatives inspire discipline, confidence and ambition among the youth.
“Watching young boys and girls engage in healthy competition gives us immense hope,” she said. “Sports mould character, teach discipline and empower youth to dream big.”
Deputy Director MY Bharat Youth Volunteer Pradeep Kumar also lauded the organisers for providing a structured platform to village athletes. He said sports help build stamina, leadership, teamwork and resilience — qualities vital to shaping young futures.
Police officers present at the event highlighted how sports keep youth positively engaged and shield them from harmful social influences, including drugs.
“When young people remain active on the sports field, they stay away from the menace of drugs,” one officer said. “Events like these encourage them to focus on healthy lifestyles and responsible choices.”
Young athletes expressed excitement over the opportunity.
Emerging volleyball player Javid Ahmad said the event motivated them to train harder.
Sprinter Sameer Hussain, who won a medal in the 200-metre race, said such competitions boost confidence and provide essential exposure.
Winners were later felicitated with medals, trophies and certificates amid loud applause. Officials encouraged the youth to make sports a regular part of their lives.
Residents of Zainapora welcomed the initiative, noting that such events energise young people and help uncover the region’s untapped sporting potential. They hoped MY Bharat would organise more inter-block and district-level events in the future. — (KIMS)