Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, DD, The 8th J&K Soft Tennis Championship was successfully held from February 22 to 24 at Bindu Stadium, Rajbagh, Srinagar, bringing together top players from across the region. The event saw participation from multiple districts of Jammu Division, along with ten districts from Kashmir Division, making it a highly competitive championship.
Among the standout performers was the Poonch Soft Tennis team, which competed in Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior categories. Led by Soft Tennis Coach Manzoor Ahmed ans Pervaiz Ahmed (REK Mentors All Soft Tennis Players distt poonch), the team showcased remarkable skills and determination. Their hard work bore fruit as six players from Poonch clinched prestigious medals, making their district proud and highlighting the growing talent in the region.
This championship held special significance as it marked a milestone in the development of soft tennis in Jammu and Kashmir. Organized under the newly established Jammu & Kashmir Soft Tennis Association, the event represented the association’s first major initiative to promote and expand the sport across the region.
The decision to host a state-level championship reflects the commitment of the new association in providing young athletes with a platform to compete at higher levels. The move has been widely appreciated by sports enthusiasts, who believe that such events will help unearth hidden talent and encourage more youngsters to take up soft tennis professionally.
The latest success of the Poonch team is yet another example of the district’s strong sporting culture. Over the years, Poonch has produced several talented athletes across various sports, and the performance in this championship further cements its reputation as a breeding ground for young talent.
Speaking on the achievement, overall supervisor Coach Manzoor Ahmed (REK)and Parvaiz Malik (REK) expressed pride in his team’s performance. He credited their success to rigorous training, dedication, and passion for the sport. He also emphasized the need for better infrastructure and training facilities to ensure that more young players from Poonch and other remote areas get opportunities to shine on bigger platforms.
The outstanding performance of the Poonch players has been met with widespread appreciation from the local community. Families, friends, and sports lovers have extended their congratulations to the medal winners, hoping that this victory will serve as inspiration for aspiring young athletes.
Local sports officials have also acknowledged the team’s success and assured continued support for sports development in the district. Many believe that with proper guidance and resources, Poonch players have the potential to compete at national and even international levels in soft tennis.
With this victory, Poonch’s soft tennis players have set their sights on future competitions, aiming to achieve even greater milestones. The focus now shifts to upcoming state and national-level tournaments, where they will look to build on their recent success.
As soft tennis gains popularity in Jammu and Kashmir, initiatives like this championship will play a vital role in nurturing young talent and promoting the sport in the region. The success of Poonch’s players in the 8th J&K Soft Tennis Championship is not just a moment of pride for the district but also a sign of a promising future for sports in Jammu & Kashmir.DD
