SRINAGAR, Sep 12 (KNS): The 13th UT-level Tennikoit Championship 2026 began at the Indoor Stadium, Polo Ground, here on Saturday, with participation from 16 teams, including 12 district teams and four clubs.

The three-day championship has been organised by the J&K Tennikoit Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council to provide a competitive platform to players from across Jammu and Kashmir.

The event was inaugurated by former J&K Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Iqbal Lone, who also played Tennikoit and interacted with the participating players.

Addressing the gathering, Lone emphasised the need for greater youth engagement in sports and welcomed recent initiatives of the Lieutenant Governor's Administration, including the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.

He said sports could play an important role in keeping young people engaged in constructive and healthy activities.

"Sports are not merely about competition or medals. They build discipline, confidence, leadership and resilience. In the present circumstances, creating more sporting opportunities for our youth is an important investment in a healthier and stronger J&K," Lone said.

Recalling his own journey as a national-level sportsperson, Lone said participation in sports had provided him opportunities to travel to different parts of the country as a player and student and contributed significantly to his personality and professional development.

"The exposure, discipline and confidence I gained through sports remained valuable throughout my career. Every young person should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sport," he added.

The inaugural ceremony also paid tribute to Komal Churasia of Jammu, a former Tennikoit player who passed away a few months ago.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The participants and guests observed a three-minute silence and offered prayers in her memory.

M. Ishaq, Co-Chairman, Tennikoit Federation of India, spoke about the history and evolution of the sport and highlighted its potential to expand from village-level participation to national and international competition.

"Tennikoit has the accessibility to reach the grassroots and the potential to take talented players from village playgrounds to the national and international stage. Our focus should be on identifying talent early and creating sustained opportunities," Ishaq said.

G. A. Beigh, Patron, appreciated the efforts of the association, players and officials in organising the championship.

Senior Vice President Ishfaq Pandit and Secretary Qusar Jabeen contributed to the coordination and smooth conduct of the event.

Khurshid Dar, Head, CII J&K Chapter, and Syed Tajamul, representing the sports and media fraternity, also stressed the importance of sports in youth development and called for greater institutional and community support to promote sporting talent in Jammu and Kashmir.

The organisers acknowledged the contribution of Angat Singh and Ishtiyaq Zargar towards the successful conduct of the event.

The J&K Tennikoit Association expressed gratitude to the J&K Sports Council and the media fraternity for their support and coverage.

The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by G. A. Beigh, with the organisers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Tennikoit at the grassroots level and providing young athletes wider opportunities to compete and excel.(KNS)