Grand Success of Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions at Surankote, Mendhar, Poonch, Bufliaz and Harni Zones under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan*

Poonch | May 12, 2026

The Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS), Poonch, continues its dedicated mission of promoting sportsmanship, youth empowerment, physical fitness, and social awareness through the successful organization of Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions across various zones of the district under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The large-scale participation of students and the enthusiastic involvement of field staff, officials, and the local community reflect the department’s unwavering commitment towards building a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free society through sports and youth engagement.

On the fourth day of competitions at Zone Surankote for U-14 Girls, held at GMS Hurmi Dhaki under the supervision of the Zonal Physical Education Officer (ZPEO), Surankote, a highly energetic and competitive sporting atmosphere was witnessed. The competitions were conducted as part of the department’s annual activity calendar with the objective of identifying and nurturing sports talent at the grassroots level.

Around 669 students participated enthusiastically in a wide range of disciplines including Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Badminton, Chess, Yoga, and Athletics. The participants displayed exceptional talent, discipline, determination, and team spirit throughout the competitions, making the event a grand success.

Simultaneously, at Zone Poonch, Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions for U-17 Girls were conducted successfully under the supervision of ZPEO Poonch. The competitions witnessed the active participation of nearly 164 students who took part enthusiastically in different sporting disciplines. The event highlighted the increasing interest and confidence among young girl athletes and showcased the department’s continuous efforts towards encouraging female participation in sports activities across the district.

At Zone Mendhar, Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions for U-17 Girls witnessed overwhelming participation, with approximately 191 students actively participating in various sports disciplines. The competitions were conducted in a well-organized and disciplined manner under the supervision of the concerned field staff and officials.

Similarly, at Zone Bufliaz, Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions for U-17 Boys were organized successfully under the supervision of ZPEO Bufliaz. Around 275 students participated enthusiastically in various sports events. The competitions served as a major platform for encouraging young athletes to demonstrate their sporting abilities and talent.

At Zone Harni, Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions for U-14 and U-17 Boys were conducted successfully with the participation of nearly 723 players. The competitions witnessed great excitement and enthusiasm among participants and were efficiently organized by ZPEO Harni with active support from field staff and officials.

One of the major highlights of the day was the organization of a massive Awareness Rally under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which witnessed overwhelming participation of nearly 4,310 individuals. The rally aimed to create awareness among students, youth, and the general public regarding the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of adopting a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.

Participants raised slogans promoting a drug-free society and conveyed strong social messages emphasizing fitness, moral values, and positive youth engagement. The remarkable participation in the rally reflected the collective commitment of the community towards eliminating drug abuse and strengthening social harmony.

In addition to sports competitions, several awareness activities were also conducted under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to spread awareness regarding humanitarian values, public welfare, discipline, and social responsibility. The events served as an important platform for educating youth about the significance of sports in leading a healthy, focused, and productive life.

The entire programme is being conducted under the able guidance of Anuradha Gupta and under the supervision of Megha Bhogia. At the district level, the events are being efficiently organized under the leadership of Mohd Qasim, while Vijay Kumar Sharma is ensuring the smooth conduct of all activities.

The Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs) of Surankote, Harni, Poonch, Mendhar, and Bufliaz played a vital role in the successful organization and coordination of the competitions across various age groups. Their dedicated efforts, along with the support of trained field staff, teachers, and officials, ensured discipline, transparency, fairness, and maximum participation throughout the programme.

The programme also featured a pledge ceremony, where participants reaffirmed their commitment towards fair play, discipline, sportsmanship, and the vision of a drug-free society. The oath-taking ceremony inspired students and youth to become responsible citizens and ambassadors of positive social change.

All competitions and activities are being conducted in a well-organized, transparent, and disciplined manner in accordance with established norms and guidelines. The initiative not only promotes healthy competition and physical fitness but also provides an excellent platform for identifying talented players for higher-level competitions at district, divisional, and UT levels.

Overall, the successful conduct of Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions across various zones of Poonch district stands as a shining example of the Department’s continued dedication towards youth development, promotion of sports culture, social awareness, and the vision of a healthy and drug-free society. The enthusiastic participation of students, the active support of officials and staff, and the strong involvement of the local community have collectively contributed towards making the programme highly successful and impactful.

The Department of Youth Services & Sports, Poonch, remains committed to providing young athletes with opportunities to excel in sports while simultaneously promoting the ideals of discipline, unity, leadership, fitness, and nation-building among the youth.

*With Regards*

*DPC Poonch*