SRINAGAR: The 21st Junior National Soft Tennis Championship, organised at Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh, Srinagar, from October 5 to October 10, 2026, concluded successfully with a grand closing ceremony held on October 10, 2026, at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex (SKISC), Srinagar.
The championship, organised in conjunction with J&K Sports Council, brought together the talented young soft tennis players from across the country, celebrating sporting excellence, discipline, unity and the spirit of healthy competition.
The closing ceremony was graced by Hossein Rafieian, President of the Iran Soft Tennis Association, as the Chief Guest. His presence added international significance to the occasion and reflected the growing scope for cooperation and friendship through soft tennis. Samaneh Hanifi, wife of Hossein Rafieian, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Among the distinguished guests were Sayna Sadat Hashemi, International Affairs representative; Narinder Pal Singh and Mrs Nirmala, Joint Secretaries of the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI); Nazrul Islam, President of the Private Schools Association; Dr. Fayaz Ahmad; Fazali, Chairman of Dolphin School, Pulwama and other dignitaries, officials, and representatives associated with ASTFI and sports.
The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams representing different states of India, providing young athletes with a valuable platform to showcase their talent, determination and competitive spirit at the national level. Throughout the tournament, the players demonstrated remarkable dedication, sportsmanship, and discipline, making the championship a memorable sporting occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the distinguished guests appreciated the efforts made to organise the championship successfully in Srinagar and emphasised the importance of providing young players with opportunities to compete at higher levels. The presence of the President of the Iran Soft Tennis Association further highlighted the potential for international engagement and the strengthening of sporting relations through soft tennis.
Special appreciation and sincere thanks are extended to the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council for its valuable support and cooperation in facilitating the successful conduct of the championship. The association also placed on record its gratitude to the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI) for its guidance, coordination and continued commitment to the promotion and development of soft tennis across the country.
The successful organisation of this prestigious national championship is a testament to the dedication, planning and tireless efforts of the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association, which deserves special credit for hosting the event in Srinagar. From coordination and arrangements to providing a platform for young athletes from across India, the association played a significant role in ensuring that the championship concluded on a high note.
The association also acknowledged the contributions of participating state associations, team managers, coaches, technical officials, volunteers and all those who worked behind the scenes to make the event a success. Their collective efforts helped create a positive and encouraging environment for young sporting talent.
The closing ceremony concluded on a note of pride, appreciation and renewed commitment to the promotion of soft tennis among the youth.
The J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association reaffirmed its commitment to continue its efforts to promote soft tennis in Jammu & Kashmir and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the sport at the national and international levels.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to all participating States, players, coaches, managers, officials, J&K Sports Council, The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited, and all other stakeholders whose cooperation has contributed to the successful commencement of the championship.
