SRINAGAR, APRIL 15 (KNS): Events in the disciplines of Thang-Ta and Table Tennis were held in Tral, Pulwama besides, Hockey and Handball were held in border district of Poonch today.

The events under the banner of “My Youth My Pride” in the disciplines of Thang-ta and Table Tennis were held at multi-purpose indoor hall in Tral Pulwama in which more than 130 participants took active part besides a large gathering which reached the venue to witness the matches in progress.

Manzoor Hussein Reshi Forest Officer, Tral was the chief guest on the occasion. While interacting with the athletes and others present at the venue, he said that everyone should actively take up games and sports if not as the career prospect but for physical and mental well being.

Games and sports bring discipline in life which eventually reflects in other aspects of over respective lives, he added.

Chief guest also appreciated J&K Sports Council for introducing new sports disciplines in the picturesque Tral.

Meanwhile, Youth League Football Tournament and Spring Shield Cricket Tournaments have turned out to be crowd pullers especially when both the events have entered into the next round.

Yesterday’s game between Wonder Boys and Hutmurah Sports went down to wire and in the end it was Wonder Boys which prevailed over their opponents to earn berth in next round. Though Hutmurah Sports had aggregated 148 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs with Abid contributing 44 runs in the pursuit but in the end it was well compiled 51 runs from Saqib which helped his team reach shore. Ashraf with 4 and Manan with 3 wickets were among the highest wicket takers for Hatmura and Wonder Boys respectively. Saqib for his match winning knock was declared man of the match.

Only match in today’s fixture at the venue between MIE Akura and BSK Karshangam was in progress when report was being filed.

Meanwhile, Yesterday’s football match played between Eithad FA and Bandipora FA in Gani Memorial Stadium Downtown Srinagar was a cliff hanger as both teams displayed exemplary skills though none was able to score the goal till final hooter. Both teams earned one point each but on the basis of previous match performance Baramulla FA confirmed their slot in the final round of the Youth League. Ubaid of Baramulla FA for his extraordinary performance was awarded man of the match.

My Youth My Pride activities continued for the second day in Sports Stadium Poonch where matches for Handball and Hockey were organized. Sunil Sharma, President Muncipal Coorporation Poonch was the Chief Guest and Dr. Updeshpal Sharma was the Guest of Honour while Prem Luthera, Narjeet Singh and Priyanka, Singh Secretary Hockey J&K attended the function as special guests.

While speaking on the occasion chief guests lauded the performance of both Men and Women Hockey teams which represented District in recently concluded UT championship held at K.K Hakhu Stadium Jammu and congratulated all for excellent show in the event. Chief guest hoped that players of Hockey J&K teams shall perform with same zeal at both National and International level whenever opportunity comes up their way. He also appreciated the role of Sports Council in promotion of sports in the region.

First Hockey match played between Power House Hockey Club Poonch and Sham Lal Hockey Club Poonch went into the kitty of latter on the basis of solitary goal scored in second half. In the second match played beween Khelo India Centre Poonch and Stadium XI latter emerged as victorious after defeating their opponents by 2-1 goals. Handball match between Stadium-A and Stadium-B teams at the venue was in progress when report was being filed.

The players and spectators present on the occasion appreciated the role of  Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and the Secretary Sports Council in particular for providing equal opportunity not only in both divisions of the Union Territory but equally striking the gender balance as well. Participants also requested the authorities for inclusion of more games and increase the number of intake capacity of participants in these events.(KNS)