Jammu, Nov 11: The Indian Army, reaffirming its commitment to promoting sports, nurturing local talent and engaging youth in constructive activities, inaugurated the Poonch Hockey League 2026 at the Astroturf Hockey Ground, Poonch, with an exciting exhibition match between Garhi Battalion Hockey Team and Poonch XI.
The inaugural event was graced by Brigadier Sachindra Joshi, VSM, Commander, Poonch Brigade, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Brigadier Joshi emphasised the importance of sports in shaping the personality of young people, fostering discipline, teamwork and leadership qualities. He encouraged the participating players to pursue sports with dedication, maintain a spirit of healthy competition and work towards achieving excellence. He also highlighted the Indian Army's commitment to providing opportunities to local youth and nurturing sporting talent in the region.The opening exhibition match witnessed an enthusiastic contest between the two sides, ending in a closely fought 1–1 draw. Both teams displayed commendable skill, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, setting an energetic tone for the six-day sporting event.
Organised by Poonch Brigade under the aegis of Ace of Spades Division, the Poonch Hockey League 2026 is being conducted featuring participation from both boys' and girls' teams. The league aims to provide a competitive platform to budding hockey players, particularly young boys and girls from the region, enabling them to showcase their talent, gain valuable match experience and develop a spirit of healthy competition.
The initiative reflects the Indian Army's sustained commitment to youth empowerment, sports promotion and the identification of emerging sporting talent in the border district of Poonch. By providing opportunities to young sportspersons, the Army continues to play an important role in encouraging discipline, teamwork, confidence and positive community engagement.The Poonch Hockey League 2026 is also being organised as a prelude to Poonch Link Up Day, scheduled to be celebrated on 22 November 2026, further strengthening the enduring bond between the Indian Army and the local population.Through such meaningful initiatives, the Indian Army continues to contribute towards building a vibrant sporting culture, empowering local youth and strengthening the spirit of unity, camaraderie and civil-military relations in the region.
