Pulwama, October 6,2026- A tournament showcasing the rising talent of young women hockey players got under way in Pulwama, as the Department of Youth Services & Sports organised an Under-19 Girls Hockey Tournament at the Hockey Turf Pulwama. Eight teams from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir are taking part in the event.
Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmad, inaugurated the tournament in the presence of sports officials, coaches, teachers, parents and a large number of young athletes. He appreciated the efforts being made to promote sports among girls and to give young sporting talent a platform to grow.
In his address, the ADDC said that opportunities like these are important for building confidence, discipline and leadership among young girls. He said sports can play a key role in shaping personality and encouraged the participants to play in the true spirit of the game. He also stressed the need to keep creating infrastructure and competitive opportunities so that talented players from the region can progress to higher levels.
The ADDC urged parents and families to support their daughters’ sporting ambitions, noting that encouragement at home is often what carries young athletes through the early stages of their careers. He also commended the Department of Youth Services & Sports for organising the event and for its continued focus on grassroots participation.
The tournament brings together teams , giving players a chance to test their skills against rivals from across the Union Territory. Officials said the event aims not only to identify promising players but also to build a culture of healthy competition and camaraderie among young athletes.
The Hockey Turf Pulwama, one of the region’s dedicated facilities for the sport, has been prepared for the tournament, with arrangements made for players, match officials and spectators. Officials said the turf has helped draw more young people towards hockey in the district, offering a standard playing surface that was once hard to find in the Valley.
The opening day saw players line up for the ceremonial introductions before the first matches began. The atmosphere at the venue was lively, with students and supporters cheering for their teams. Many of the participants said that playing on a proper turf in a competitive setting was a valuable experience that would help them improve their game.
Coaches accompanying the teams said such tournaments are vital for exposure. According to them, regular matches against teams from other areas help players sharpen their technique, understand tactics and handle pressure, all of which are essential if they hope to represent the state or the country in the future.
Officials from the Department of Youth Services & Sports said the tournament is part of a broader effort to promote sports at the district level, particularly among girls, who have traditionally had fewer avenues to pursue competitive athletics. They said the department will continue to organise similar events across disciplines to widen participation.
The tournament will continue over the coming [number of days], with matches scheduled in a league-cum-knockout format [to be confirmed]. The winners and runners-up will be felicitated at the closing ceremony, and outstanding performers are expected to be recognised for their contributions.
Sports enthusiasts in Pulwama have welcomed the event, saying it reflects the growing momentum behind women’s sports in Jammu and Kashmir. With enthusiastic participation on day one, organisers are hopeful that the tournament will inspire more girls to take up hockey and pursue their sporting dreams.
