Bandipora: The Bandipora Sports Advisory Board convened its Annual General Meeting at La Vista Restaurant, Bandipora, bringing together representatives from football, handball, kabaddi, water sports and several other disciplines, along with key office bearers and volunteers to review achievements and chart future priorities for sports in the district.
The house appreciated the growing sporting culture in Bandipora and underscored the need to systematically document and publicise local achievements to motivate youth and enhance the district’s sporting profile.
A major focus of the discussions was youth orientation, with members noting that although young people are actively involved in sports, many lack clear guidance on career pathways and long-term planning, prompting a call for more structured mentoring and counselling initiatives.
The Board also raised a strong and unanimous demand for a separate Kabaddi association for Bandipora, arguing that the current joint structure with Baramulla and Kupwara does not adequately serve Bandipora’s players or ensure fair representation. In football, members proposed a dedicated school-level drive to strengthen grassroots participation and scouting by engaging educational institutions more systematically.
To expand competitive opportunities, the Board resolved to work towards organising a separate under-17 tournament and open tournaments for other age groups across multiple sports so that athletes receive regular, meaningful match exposure.
Members highlighted the urgent need for better sports infrastructure, calling for the development of additional playgrounds and proper, timely work on the main stadium and the New Indoor Stadium, with a clear decision to formally raise these issues at appropriate forums.
The AGM also placed strong emphasis on governance and internal reform, deciding that activities should run under one unified banner to improve coordination and accountability, and approving an observer system under which at least one Board representative will attend major events to monitor and support proceedings.
The Board agreed to issue official membership cards, define roles for members not tied to specific games, enforce an attendance-based disciplinary clause for non-participating members and adopt a basic member contribution to support routine operations, thereby strengthening both transparency and sustainability of the organisation.