Kathua Admin’s maiden District Badminton Tournament concludes on a high note

Over 200 shuttlers compete in 211 matches; DC reiterates commitment to promoting sports and a drug-free society
KATHUA, AUGUST 02: The Grand Finale of the maiden District Badminton Tournament, organised by the District Administration Kathua under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan concluded the other day at the Indoor Sports Stadium, Kathua. Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, presided over the finals and felicitated the winners and runners-up in various categories.
The tournament witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 200 participants competing in Under-14, Under-19, Senior and Veteran categories for both boys and girls. A total of 211 matches were played, providing an excellent platform for shuttlers from across the district to showcase their talent.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said the District Administration is consistently organising sporting events under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan to provide quality exposure and competitive opportunities to budding sportspersons. He said the tournament was conceived to engage youth in constructive activities, encourage them to adopt sports as a way of life and make optimum use of the sports infrastructure created in the district.
Highlighting the enthusiastic participation of girls, the Deputy Commissioner observed that they are now matching their male counterparts in every field, including sports. He said the tournament reflected the growing sporting culture in the district and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all.
Rajesh Sharma said Kathua continues to emerge as a hub of sporting talent and expressed confidence that the facilities at the Indoor Sports Stadium would be further upgraded. He said the necessary projections have already been submitted to the competent authorities.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated Chief Planning Officer Kathua Ranjeet Thakur, Assistant Director Fisheries Pawan Paul Sharma and their team for organising the maiden tournament with utmost dedication in a truly sporting atmosphere. He also acknowledged the support extended by Ex-MC Councillor Rahul Dev and the management of Kartar Public School, Kathua.
The finals witnessed keenly contested matches across categories. Priyashi and Sunshine won the Under-19 Girls’ Doubles title, Kulbhandu clinched the Men’s Singles title, while Akshay and Nitish emerged winners in the Men’s Doubles. Manyata won both the Women’s Singles and Under-19 Girls’ Singles titles. Arun and Sanjeev claimed the Veterans’ Doubles title, while Rajat Sudan won the Veterans’ Singles. Sunshine won the Under-14 Girls’ Singles title, Saksham Singh emerged champion in the Under-14 Boys’ Singles, Aaradhya and Arush won the Under-14 Boys’ Doubles, Aniket Sharma clinched the Under-19 Boys’ Singles title and Saksham and Daksh won the Under-19 Boys’ Doubles championship.
IAS Probationer Nidhi, District Information Officer Gurpreet Singh, officers of the district administration, besides a large number of players, parents and sports enthusiasts were present and witnessed the finals.
The tournament concluded with the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to the winners, runners-up, officials, support staff and volunteers.