JAMMU: The Rotary Premier Hockey League, District 3070, reached a crucial stage on Day 3, with Khalsa Club and MBS Simbal Camp securing places in the final after emerging victorious in their respective semifinal encounters at K.K. Hakku Stadium, Jammu.
The tournament, which began with eight teams, has brought together hockey players, Rotarians, public representatives and members of civil society to promote sportsmanship, discipline, physical fitness and constructive engagement among young people.
Organised under the aegis of Hockey J&K, the league aims to encourage sporting talent and provide young players with opportunities to showcase their abilities. The first semifinal was jointly hosted by the Rotary Club of Jammu Stars, led by President Rtn. Adv. Neetu Kour Bali and Secretary Rtn. Ginni Chadda, and the Rotary Club Kathua, headed by President Rtn. Subash Sharma and Secretary Rtn. Chuni Lal.
The day’s proceedings were attended by MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa and MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi. Shridhar Patil, IPS, DIG Jammu–Samba–Kathua Range, was the Chief Guest at the first semifinal, while Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Deputy Director Health, graced the second semifinal as Chief Guest.
The dignitaries appreciated Rotary’s efforts to promote sports and encourage young people to adopt physically active lifestyles. They observed that sporting platforms help channel youthful energy positively, foster teamwork and discipline, and contribute to efforts aimed at keeping young people away from drug abuse.
Rtn. Adv. Neetu Kour Bali, President of the Rotary Club of Jammu Stars, expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, public representatives and other dignitaries for attending the event and encouraging the participating players. She also acknowledged the contributions of Hockey J&K, the Rotary Club Kathua, fellow Rotarians, participating teams and volunteers in making the league a success.
R.T. Pooja Malhotra, Zonal Chair, emphasised that sporting initiatives such as the Rotary Premier Hockey League go beyond competition by helping young people build confidence, develop teamwork and embrace discipline and healthy living. She stressed the importance of collective efforts by service organisations and the wider community in nurturing young talent and creating positive opportunities for youth engagement.
Senior Rotarians present at the event included Rtn. Pooja Malhotra, Zonal Polio Chair; Rtn. Ashok Gupta, retired IPS officer and former Inspector General; Inspector Raghubir Singh; Rtn. Meena Jaggi, Assistant Governor; Rtn. Dr. Shivani Choudhary; Rtn. Shakshi; Rtn. Satyadeep, Assistant Governor Rotary; Rtn. Jatinder Gandhok; and Rtn. Meena Jamwal, along with members of their respective club teams.
The matches also witnessed the presence of young female hockey players from Simbal, other budding players and prominent members of civil society, underlining the importance of inclusive sporting opportunities and wider participation in hockey.
Rtn. PDG Dr. Dushyant Choudhary, Chair of Rotary J&K Zone, and Rtn. Jaswinder Singh Kuku, Event Chairman, reiterated Rotary’s commitment to promoting sports among young people and strengthening unity and brotherhood across Jammu and Kashmir.
Event Coordinator Dr. Navneet Kaur described the league as an initiative that gives young people a positive direction through “health, discipline and dignity.” She thanked the Rotarians of the host clubs for their sustained efforts and acknowledged the support of Hockey J&K, the management of Hakku Stadium, and the print and electronic media.
With Khalsa Club and MBS Simbal Camp advancing to the final, the tournament has highlighted the role of sports in bringing communities together and encouraging young people to pursue healthy and constructive activities. The organisers reiterated their commitment to promoting sportsmanship, service and solidarity while inspiring the younger generation to contribute positively to society.
