Shopian, May 14,2026-Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the South Kashmir Volleyball League 2026 in Shopian, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, sports development, and the fight against drug abuse in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor also dedicated the newly constructed Multipurpose Sports Indoor Hall at Arhama to the youth of the region. Built at a cost of ₹4.94 crore, the facility is expected to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide modern training opportunities for aspiring athletes in South Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, LG Manoj Sinha said that the South Kashmir Volleyball League, which began in 2021, has emerged as a major platform for youth engagement, promotion of competitive sports culture, and the growth of volleyball activities across the region.
He emphasized that the league is significantly contributing to the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K’ campaign by promoting sports as a positive avenue for youth participation and social transformation.
“Every serve and every spike on the volleyball court sends a message that our youth are confronting challenges and moving forward as an integral part of the national mainstream,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a strong foundation has been laid to help youth realise their dreams and showcase their talent at national and international sporting platforms.
He noted that approximately ₹22 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure in Shopian during the last six years, while projects worth ₹8.80 crore are currently under progress in the district. He also informed that 20 Khelo India Centres are operational across South Kashmir, including five in Shopian, benefiting around 600 regular trainees with training and sports equipment.
The Lieutenant Governor appealed to young athletes to act as role models and guide future generations toward a drug-free, healthier, and brighter future. He also reiterated the administration’s resolve to eliminate the narco-terror ecosystem from Jammu & Kashmir.
The four-day South Kashmir Volleyball League is being organised by the Volleyball Association J&K and Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, senior police and civil administration officials, sports personalities, and large numbers of youth and local residents.
