POONCH: In a significant step towards promoting a vibrant sports culture and nurturing grassroots talent, the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal today distributed sports kits to various Khelo India centres under the Khelo India Initiative at a dedicated event held at the Sports Stadium, Poonch.

The event was organized under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, which continues to play a pivotal role in developing sports infrastructure and encouraging youth participation across the region. The Khelo India initiative aims to empower local athletes by equipping them with essential training resources and boosting their performance capabilities.

While addressing the gathering, the DC urged the youth to embrace sports not merely as a recreational pursuit but as a means to instill discipline, maintain good health and even represent the nation at various levels. He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to fostering sportsmanship and supporting young athletes in realizing their full potential.

The Khelo India Centres of Poonch expressed heartfelt gratitude to the District administration and the J&K Sports Council for the timely provision of sports kits which are expected to significantly contribute to the development of budding talent in the district.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Manager Sports Stadium Poonch, Mushtaq Ahmed. He lauded the continuous support from the Sports Council and the Deputy Commissioner in strengthening the district's sporting ecosystem.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohd Sayeed, Tehsildar Haveli Azhar Majeed, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Mohd Qasim, Chairman SMSMVC Tariq Khan, Retired Manager Nirdosh Kumar, Parink Singh, Anchor Vijay Kumar along with several coaches from different sports disciplines and other notable figures from the district were present on the occasion.