POONCH: The District Magistrate open Rugby Championship 2025 began today at the Sports Stadium in Poonch, marking a significant step towards promotion of sports culture in the region.

Organized by the District Administration Poonch in collaboration with the District Youth Services and Sports Office (DYSSO) Poonch, the championship aims to encourage sportsmanship, physical fitness, and youth engagement through the awe-inspiring and strategic rugby sport.

The championship was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, who attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

In his inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner commended the initiative and urged young athletes to embrace the spirit of fair play, unity and determination. He also highlighted the crucial role of such sports events in instilling discipline, leadership, and teamwork among the youth.

Teams from across different regions of the district are competing in the tournament, reflecting the growing interest of youth in rugby at the grassroots level. The opening day witnessed a series of exhilarating matches, with players demonstrating impressive skills and competitive spirit, much to the delight of the spectators.

The tournament will continue in the coming days with knockout rounds and the grand finale, providing a platform to identify and nurture local talent for opportunities at higher levels of competition.