Pampore: The 19th District Badminton Championship for District Pulwama commenced on Monday at Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The four-day tourney was inaugurated by Principal GDC Pampore Prof Dr Huda Galzai in the presence of the General Secretary Badminton Association Pulwama who is also Vice Chairman J&K Badminton Association, Adnan Shah General Secretary Joint Secretary Badminton Association Pulwama and Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh Treasurer Badminton Association Pulwama, officials told Kashmir Reader.
According to the organisers, around 400 players-both boys and girls- will vie for the top honours in different age group categories in the tournament which is being organised by District Badminton Association Pulwama- affiliated with J&K Badminton Association and recognised by J&K Sports Council- in collaboration with Government Degree College Pampore.
Principal GDC Pampore Prof Dr Huda Galzai hailed the organisers for conducting the event and hoped players will make of the opportunities provided to them in the four-day tournament.
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Shah Adnan said the tournament is being organised annually with an aim to provide players a platform to showcase their talent and ensure the young generation was kept away from social evils. He said that outstanding players represent district Pulwama in the inter-district tournaments and from there some players go on to represent the UT.
Irfan Shah expressed gratitude to the college for their collaboration and stated that players from five Tehsils Pampore, Awantipora, Tral, Kakapora and Pulwama will take part in the tournament. He hoped participating players will learn from the experience and go on to represent the UT in the future.

BILAL HABIB