POONCH: The Department of Youth Services and Sports Poonch today organized the Inter-Zone Cluster Level Under-14 and Under-17 Boys Trial-cum-Selection here on GHS Sanai Grounds.

Held under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the event witnessed a highly competitive, disciplined and enthusiastic display of sports talent.

The participants were the students who qualified the Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions from Zone Surankote and Zone Buffliaz. The selected participants competed for final selection to represent the cluster in the upcoming District Level Competitions.

A total of 188 boys from the twin zones participated in the Under-14 and Under-17 age groups, displaying remarkable sporting talent, discipline, dedication, and enthusiasm. The participants actively competed in various games including Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Kabaddi, Chess and Badminton, making the event vibrant and highly spirited.

Officials from the District Youth Services and Sports Office Poonch attended the programme as observers to ensure fair and transparent selection. The field staff of both Zone Surankote and Zone Buffliaz also remained actively engaged throughout the event.

The programme was graced by MLA Surankote Choudhary Mohammad Akram as the Chief Guest. Other guests present included DYSSO, SHO, officers from the Indian Army and Headmaster GHS Sanai. The Department of Youth Services and Sports along with the ZPEOs, honoured the Chief Guest with a shawl, bouquet and memento as a token of respect and appreciation.

While addressing the gathering, MLA Choudhary Mohd Akram appreciated the Department of Youth Services and Sports for organizing such a large-scale sporting event in a far-flung border area. He termed the initiative a landmark achievement and praised the department for providing a strong platform to rural youth to showcase their talent through games like Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Kabaddi, Chess and Badminton.