The National Sports Day/Youth Engagement Month Volleyball Tournament concluded at Drass on September 19 with District Kargil emerging victorious in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

The closing ceremony marked the successful culmination of the tournament, which aimed to promote sportsmanship, youth engagement, healthy lifestyles and a drug-free society.
In the boys’ category, District Kargil emerged as the winner, while District Drass secured the runners-up position. In the girls’ category, District Kargil claimed the title, with District Sham finishing as runners-up. All participating teams displayed commendable sportsmanship, discipline and determination throughout the matches.

Deputy Commissioner, Drass, Imteeaz Kacho, attended the closing ceremony along with the Zonal Physical Education Officer and officials of the Youth Services & Sports Department, Zonal Education Officer, Child Development Project Officer, Shubham Nautiyal, Senior Programme Officer (Sports), HCL Foundation, Muzammil Lone of Save the Children Fund, representatives of the Volleyball Association and other officials and sports enthusiasts.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner congratulated the finalists and all participants and appreciated their active involvement in the tournament. He also thanked the Youth Services & Sports Department for organising the programme successfully, as well as the participating teams and guests for contributing to the event.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the youth of Drass have tremendous interest and potential in sports and expressed hope that more sporting events would be organised in the region. He encouraged young people to participate actively in sports and make full use of the opportunities and facilities available to them.

Highlighting the importance of a healthy and responsible lifestyle, Kacho urged the youth to stay away from drugs and substance abuse and to seek guidance from appropriate persons and institutions whenever they face difficulties. He called upon the younger generation to contribute towards the vision of a drug-free Ladakh.

He also emphasised the collective responsibility of keeping Ladakh clean and environmentally sustainable. He appealed to participants to minimise the use of plastic and spread awareness about cleanliness and responsible waste management in their villages and communities.

The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the contribution and efforts of the Departments of Information, Public Health Engineering, Public Works, Power, and Youth Services & Sports, along with other concerned departments and stakeholders, for ensuring the smooth and professional conduct of the tournament.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners and runners-up and encouragement for all participating players.