Bandipora, Aug 22 (KNO): The second edition of the Sultania Volleyball Tournament, a much-anticipated sporting event in north Kashmir's Bandipora district was inaugurated on Friday by MLA Bandipora, Nizam-u-din Bhat, at Middle School Gundpora, a venue now synonymous with high-voltage volleyball clashes.
Declaring the tournament open as the Chief Guest, Bhat, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said sports are a unifying force in Kashmir and promised continued support for youth-driven initiatives.
“Our young players have immense talent. Events like this bring communities together and also open opportunities for our boys to shine at the national stage,” he said, while lauding the organisers for sustaining the spirit of the game.
The event drew an impressive line-up of dignitaries. DDC Arin, Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Company Commander 14 RR, Kartik Jaswal, was present as Special Guest, alongside the Distinguished Guest, Company Commander of Kharpora 14 RR. The dais also welcomed Honoured Guest DDC Vice Chairperson Kausar Shafiq, Esteemed Guest Hafiz Sikander Malik, and Patron Guest Wajahat Hussain Raina.
Organised by Sultania Sports Management, the tournament has grown into a marquee event for the valley’s volleyball enthusiasts. This year, the organisers secured strong media partnerships with Kashmir Convener, one of J&K’s leading English dailies, and Kashmir Viewer, a popular monthly magazine.
The tournament also found generous backing from an array of local and regional sponsors including International Delhi Public School, Jahangir Bakery, Intec Computers Nowpora, Observer Diagnostic Centre Bandipora, Najar Laptop Gallery Aragam, Lavista Restaurant, Peer & Sons Bandipora, Shawl Mart Bandipora, Kashmir Orchards Dry Fruit & Spices Lowdara, MS Wular Timber Traders Nadihal, Dr Aqib Reshi’s Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre Nadihal, Lone Traders Gundpora, Nafs Livestock Gundpora, Rider Publicity Nadihal, Double A Lehanga Shop Nadihal, Raina Electricals Gundpora, Umar Electricals, Waseem Bakery, Jot Down Nadihal, Star Sports Nadihal, and Sultania Communications Gundpora.
With participation from leading clubs and teams across J&K, including several national-level players from the Union Territory, the tournament promises a thrilling contest for sports lovers in Bandipora and beyond.
The organisers said the Sultania Volleyball Tournament has quickly established itself as a platform for both professional and grassroots talent. With this edition, they hope to not only showcase competitive volleyball but also strengthen Bandipora’s reputation as a hub of sporting activity in the valley—(KNO)