Banihal , October 21,2026– The Indian Army organised the final of the Khari Premier League Volleyball Tournament in Banihal under its Sadbhavana Initiative, in association with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The match drew players, spectators and local residents, and it carried a clear message: sport can be a strong alternative to substance abuse.
A Tournament Built for Youth
The Khari Premier League gave young players from the area a structured, competitive platform. Teams played through the league stage before the final, where the finalists met in front of a large crowd. Tournaments like this one give youth a place to show their talent, build discipline and learn teamwork, qualities that matter on the court and beyond it.
Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in the region. It needs little equipment and can be played on any open ground, so it reaches young people who might not otherwise have access to organised sport. By taking the game to the community, the Army gave local players a stage close to home.
The Sadbhavana Initiative
Sadbhavana, which means goodwill, is the Army’s long-running outreach programme in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers education, healthcare, skill development, infrastructure support and community events, and sports tournaments are a regular part of it. The idea is simple: when soldiers and civilians meet over a shared activity, trust grows.
In remote and hilly areas around Banihal, such events matter. They create occasions for the Army and local residents to meet as neighbours, outside any operational context. A well-run tournament also shows young people that the uniformed forces care about their future.
Linking Sport with the Fight Against Drugs
What set this tournament apart was its link to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the national campaign against drug abuse. Substance abuse is a serious concern for young people across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir, and the campaign relies on awareness, community involvement and healthy alternatives.
Sport is one of the most effective alternatives. A player who trains regularly, follows a routine and belongs to a team has less room for harmful habits. Peer pressure, one of the main routes into drug use, is replaced by encouragement from teammates and coaches. Anti-drug messaging at a sporting event also lands better than a lecture, because young people hear it in a setting they enjoy.
What the Final Meant for the Community
For players, the final was a chance to compete at a high level before a home crowd. For spectators, it was a lively day out with friends and family. For the organisers, it was proof that a well-planned event can bring people together across age groups and villages.
Such events also leave something lasting. Young players gain experience in organised competition, and some may go on to represent their districts. Local sporting talent also becomes visible to coaches and officials who can help it grow.
Looking Ahead
The Khari Premier League shows what a community and the Army can achieve together. Events like this need to continue and expand: more teams, more villages and more sports. The anti-drug message needs repeating, and the best way to repeat it is to keep young people busy, healthy and proud of what they can do.
As the final whistle sounded, the real result was not only the winning team’s trophy. It was a reminder that a generation given good opportunities will choose them. In Banihal, that choice looks promising.
