Inter-district, UT level Chess tournament for boys for all age groups commenced at Government Higher Secondary School, Ramban here today.Deputy Commissioner, Mussarat Islam, declared the tourney open, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, in coordination with the District Administration. The event will witness the participation of the students from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.In his inaugural address, the DC said efforts will be made to promote sports culture in Ramban with special focus on developing required infrastructure in the form of playgrounds, stadia and other utilities.While appreciating the Youth Services and Sports Department for organizing back-to-back UT level competitions, the DC said that such big sports events provide an open platform to youth for inter-cultural exchanges. "It strengthens the bonds of unity and brotherhood amongst the students," he added.The DC urged the students to focus on their studies and hobbies simultaneously, which, he said is necessary for their overall personality development.Urging the talented students to pursue sports as a full-time profession, the DC assured full cooperation to the sports department for organizing regular sporting events in the district which shall provide a launching pad to budding sportspersons for exhibiting their talent.Earlier, District Youth Services and Sport Officer, Dharmveer Singh informed that as many as 170 students from 17 districts of both Divisions including 8 of Jammu and 9 of Kashmir Division are participating in the competition.He also assured the DC that adequate arrangements have been made for the participating students.