Srinagar: Irfan Gani Bhat
Kashmir Sub Area, in collaboration with Saving the Future NGO and Jammu & Kashmir Hockey Association, proudly inaugurated the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Hockey League 2025 under Operation Sadbhavana at the Astro Turf, Polo Ground, Srinagar. The tournament, scheduled from 06 September to 20 September 2025, is dedicated to the memory of General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, honoring his vision of youth engagement, peace-building, and strengthening bonds with the community through sports.
Special appreciation was extended to the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council for their valuable support under the campaign “My Youth My Pride”. Gratitude was also conveyed to Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary J\&K Sports Council, for her continuous encouragement, and to Shri Gurdeep Singh Sangral, President J&K Hockey Association, for his valuable support and guidance throughout the tournament.
The opening ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of Olympian Ms. Gurjit Kaur, renowned player from the Indian Women’s National Hockey Team, as the Chief Guest. The event was further attended by Major General Abhijit Mitra, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding 31 Sub Area, senior officers of the Indian Army, office bearers of J\&K Hockey Association, along with eminent dignitaries including Dr. Tauseef Ahmed, socio-environmental activist; Mr. Syed Ajaz Kashani, social activist; Mr. Mohammed Iqbal, Director & Team India Coach (Pencak Silat); and Mr. Irfan Aziz, Team India Coach (Pencak Silat).
A total of 16 hockey teams from across Kashmir are participating in this prestigious league, showcasing exceptional local talent and fostering the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. The participating teams are: Amar Singh College, Sri Pratap College, AAA Degree College Bemina, Government College for Women M.A. Road, Baramulla Reds, Srinagar, Pulwama, Kupwara, Baramulla Blues, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Khelo India Centre Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Budgam.
On the occasion, Advocate Syed Junaid Sadat, Chairman of Saving the Future NGO, addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the event in promoting Kashmiri youth talent, instilling discipline through sports, and carrying forward the legacy of late General Bipin Rawat who believed in youth empowerment.
The Chief Guest, Olympian Gurjit Kaur, in her address, expressed her delight at witnessing such overwhelming enthusiasm for hockey in Kashmir and encouraged the young players to pursue their passion with dedication and determination. She emphasized that tournaments like these not only build athletes but also inspire a culture of teamwork, resilience, and unity.
The tournament was officially declared open with the unveiling of the trophy by the dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial striking of the ball into the goalpost by Olympian Gurjit Kaur, marking the commencement of the much-anticipated league.
The General Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Hockey League 2025 now sets the stage for two weeks of competitive matches, celebrating the spirit of hockey, sportsmanship, and the unifying power of youth in the Valley. The Indian Army, under Operation Sadbhavana, reaffirmed its continuous commitment to nurturing youth potential and strengthening peace and harmony in Jammu & Kashmir through such initiatives.
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