The Under-17 Talent Hunt Football tournament organised jointly by District Administration and 3rd battalion CRPF concluded today at SK Stadium Bandipora with Higher Secondary School Hajin lifting the title.Higher Secondary School Hajin won the tournament by defeating High School Laharwapora by 2-1 in the final of Talent Hunt Football Competition.The Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmad was chief guest on the occasion. Padma Shree awardee Faisal Ali Dar was also present on the occasion.An official said eight teams participated in the tournament including a team from remote Gurez valley.The tournament was part of civil action programme and was kick started on Sunday by Rakesh Sharma Commandant 3rd Bn CRPF along with SSP Bandipora Mohammad Zahid.
Earlier 1st semi-final was played between Govt Secondary School Bagh and Govt High School Laharwapora that was won by Govt High School Laharwapora in penalty shootout. Second Semi-Finnal was played between Govt MHSS Kaloosa and Govt ML HSS Hajin that also concluded in penalty shootout and was won by ML HSS Hajin. The tournament attracted a large number of spectators.While interacting with the sportsperson at the concluding ceremony, DC Bandipora lauded the efforts of the organisers for organizing the tournament and also appreciated the players for taking part in sports activities. He said the youngsters of Bandipora have showcased their talent at national and international level and brought laurels not only for the district but also for the country. He said honoring young and talented martial art coach Faisal Dar with Padma Shree was an acknowledgement by the country to the contribution of Bandipora youngsters in sports.
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 department for the youth while sports items are being distributed by Department of Youth Services and Sports. He 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. Commandant CRPF also spoke on the occasion and said they dreamed to enhance the capability of sports personal in making Bandipora skillful sports district.He said the sports activities will help the youth to showcase their talent besides helping them to utilize their energy in positive direction. He said sports activities will help youth to stay away from drug menace and other anti social activities.