The Bandipora Girls Sports Festival conducted by Indian Army in collaboration with District Administration Bandipora concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Stadium Bandipora on Wednesday evening. The five day extravaganza was aimed at promoting sports and empowering women by providing an exclusive platform to showcase their talent. An official said besides Civil Administration, Army, JK Police, CRPF and Local Awam were also taken on board for this initiative wherein sports were utilised to address social issues by empowering women and generating awareness.While interacting with the sportsperson at the concluding ceremony, the DC appreciated the girls for taking part in sports activities. He said District Bandipora has been at the forefront in sports activities as the boy and girls have showcased their talent at national and international platforms. He said the district administration will provide every possible assistance to ensure sports activities are conducted at village level. He said sports grounds have been prepared at panchayat level by the rural development for the youth while sports items are being distributed by the Department of Youth Services and Sports.
The DC lauded the efforts of Army, Police and CRPF for lending a helping hand in this regard by providing sports kits to the youngsters besides organising sports activities in villages. He said the sports activities will help the youth to showcase their talent besides helping them to utilize their energy in a positive direction. He said sports activities will help youth to stay away from drug menace and other anti social activities. Commander Manasbal Sector RR, CO Bandipora RR, CO 3rd Battalion CRPF, SSP Bandipora and various other dignitaries from Security Forces, Civil Administration and Local Schools were present on the occasion.Major events conducted as part of the festival included North Kashmir Volleyball Premier League for Women, Bandipora District Girls Athletics Competition and Bandipora District Village Games Competition for Girls.Apart from these competitions, a multitude of activities geared towards generating awareness in various fields were also organised to include Folk Songs and Dance, Martial Arts Display, Felicitation of Women Achievers etc. Officials said the festival was the first of its kind and impacted people from all walks of life with total numbers estimated to be in hundreds. It has generated awareness about Women Empowerment, Women's Rights and Sports with a view to encourage them to realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.