16 teams from 12 districts and four clubs participate in three-day event; Iqbal Lone calls for greater youth engagement through sports.
Srinagar, September 12:
The 13th UT Level Tennikoit Championship 2026, organised by the J&K Tennikoit Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, started at the Indoor Stadium, Polo Ground, Srinagar, J&K after witnessing participation from 16 teams, including 12 district teams and four clubs.
The three-day championship provided a competitive platform to Tennikoit players from across Jammu & Kashmir and highlighted the growing potential of the sport at the grassroots level.
The championship was inaugurated by Mr. Iqbal Lone, former Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities J&K, who also opened the event by personally playing Tennikoit, interacting with players and encouraging them to pursue sports with dedication and discipline.
Addressing the gathering, Lone emphasised the importance of expanding youth-oriented activities across J&K, particularly in the present circumstances.
He welcomed the recent initiatives of the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration, including the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, and said sports could become a powerful instrument for keeping young people engaged in constructive and healthy pursuits.
“Sports are not merely about competition or medals.
They build discipline, confidence, leadership and resilience. In the present circumstances, creating more sporting opportunities for our youth is an important investment in a healthier and stronger J&K,” Lone said.
Recalling his own journey as a national-level sportsperson, Lone said participation in sports had given him an opportunity to travel to different parts of the country as a player and student and had significantly contributed to his personality and professional development.
“The exposure, discipline and confidence I gained through sports remained valuable throughout my career. Every young person should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sport,” he added.
The inaugural ceremony also paid an emotional tribute to Ms. Komal Churasia of Jammu, a former Tennikoit player who passed away a few months ago. Participants and guests observed three minutes of silence and offered prayers in her memory.
Mr. M. Ishaq, Co-Chairman, Tennikoit Federation of India, explained the history and evolution of Tennikoit and highlighted its potential to grow from village-level participation to national and international competition.
“Tennikoit has the accessibility to reach the grassroots and the potential to take talented players from village playgrounds to the national and international stage. Our focus should be on identifying talent early and creating sustained opportunities,” Ishaq said.
Mr. G. A. Beigh, Patron, appreciated the efforts of the Association, players and officials, while Senior Vice President Mr. Ishfaq Pandit and Secretary Ms. Qusar Jabeen contributed to the coordination and smooth conduct of the championship.
Mr. Khurshid Dar, Head, CII J&K Chapter, and Syed Tajamul, representing the sports and media fraternity, also stressed the importance of sports in youth development and called for greater institutional and community support to promote sporting talent in J&K.
The organisers also acknowledged the contribution of Angat Singh and Ishtiyaq Zargar towards the successful conduct of the event.
The J&K Tennikoit Association expressed gratitude to the J&K Sports Council and the media fraternity for their support and coverage.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by G. A. Beigh, with the organisers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Tennikoit at the grassroots and providing young athletes wider opportunities to compete and excel.