Srinagar, July 30: On one front, Pakistan persists with its covert operations to destabilise the Valley—trading the bullet for the bottle, replacing the gun culture with a more insidious drug epidemic aimed at destroying Kashmiri youth from within. On the other, the Indian Army is delivering a decisive counterpunch, not just thwarting every hostile design along the Line of Control, but also working tirelessly to reclaim young lives through mentorship, opportunity, and sport.
In a significant reinforcement of this dual strategy, the Army, alongside the J&K Government’s aggressive anti-drug campaign under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha—whose recent 100-day ‘Padayatra’ as part of the Nasha Mukti Bharat Abhiyaan has emerged as a powerful connecting force—has doubled down on its role as a catalyst for change. The message is clear every push from across the border will be met with an equal and opposite pull towards peace and prosperity.
In a latest development, The third edition of the Varmul Gindo sports festival, organised by the Indian Army’s Dagger Division in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, the District Youth Services & Sports Department, and the Baramulla Sports Association, concluded here to widespread acclaim.
An official told Kashmir Convener the month-long event brought together nearly 3,000 athletes from across the district, setting yet another milestone in the region’s sporting calendar.
The closing ceremony was graced by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Dagger Division as the Chief Guest, with Baramulla MLA Javid Hassan Beigh attending as the Guest of Honour. Held under the evocative theme “Tarjuman-e-Aman” (Messenger of Peace), the festival witnessed fierce yet friendly competition across more than 20 disciplines, including football, cricket, rugby, hockey, volleyball, basketball, kabaddi, kho-kho, karate, wushu, chess, table tennis, and snooker.
The official said the action unfolded across 15 venues, transforming Baramulla into a vibrant hub of athletic energy.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 19 Infantry Division, Major General Manoj Joshi, articulated a grand vision for the region. “Our vision is to establish Baramulla as the sports capital of Kashmir.
He said sports culture has the potential to transform the city and its youth,” he stated . Emphasising the transformative power of sports, he added, “An empty mind is the devil’s workshop.
The top army commander said that sports give you a healthy body, a positive mind and make you a better human being. A true sportsperson never surrenders to drugs because he knows addiction will only weaken his performance” .
The GOC highlighted the event’s remarkable growth since its inception, stating that the first edition featured 13 sports disciplines with around 1,800 participants, while this year’s edition has expanded to over 20 disciplines with nearly 3,000 participants and is expected to attract between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators.
For the youth of Baramulla, Varmul Gindo has become more than just a tournament—it is a lifeline. Young athletes spoke passionately about the platform the festival provides, steering them away from the temptations of substance abuse that have plagued the Valley.
Thirteen-year-old Sami, who competed in table tennis, shared his story with this newspaper. “I’ve been practicing for two years,” he said, catching his breath between matches. “When I play, I forget everything else. I just want to make my family proud”.
In a district where girls in sports still face silent barriers, the Under-14 and Under-17 girls’ categories are rewriting the script. Twelve-year-old Aisha Khan, the youngest in her group, displayed lightning-fast reflexes on the table. “People used to say table tennis isn’t for girls,” she shrugged defiantly. “But look at us now”.
The Veterans category saw former champions return to inspire a new generation. Mohammad Rafiq, a 52-year-old teacher who once represented the district at the state level, participated to send a powerful message. “I play so these kids know that passion has no age,” he said, adjusting his wristband. “When they see us still fighting, still loving the game, they believe they can too” .
Part of the event Umar Lone said “Varmul Gindo isn’t just a tournament. It’s a movement. And this is only the beginning”.
Touseef Raina, a socio-political activist, told Kashmir Convener, “It’s a blessing to have our army, who are so committed to our younger generation by providing them with a sports platform. Our young generation will make us proud through sports, and the days are not far when they can write a beautiful and successful script for Kashmir, especially for the northern region of Baramulla district.
They are multi-talented, but one thing was missing—the platform. Now, with the support and efforts of our army, our youth are shining and are becoming examples not only as sports athletes but also as responsible and successful citizens of tomorrow.”
Meanwhile,Civil officials also have lauded the collaborative effort, acknowledging the Army’s pivotal role in providing constructive avenues for the region’s youth. “Such initiatives inspire young people to pursue excellence, adopt healthy lifestyles and contribute positively towards society,” officials from the District Youth Services & Sports Department noted during the closing ceremony .
The organisers extended their gratitude to all participating teams, educational institutions, civil administration, volunteers, and the people of Baramulla for their overwhelming support. With Varmul Gindo 3.0 drawing to a successful close, the festival has not only strengthened the sports culture in north Kashmir but also reinforced the spirit of unity and resilience that stands as the Valley’s strongest defence against external and internal threats.
Comments are closed.