Baramulla, Oct 9: The UT-Level Inter-District Provincial-Level Football Championship for Under-17 Boys commenced today at St. Joseph’s School Ground, Baramulla, with teams representing 19 districts of Jammu and Kashmir competing for the coveted title. The tournament, featuring 344 young footballers, is organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, under the supervision of Director General Anuradha Gupta, IAS, and hosted by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, District Baramulla.

The championship was inaugurated by Pranjal Hazarika, IAS, ADDC Baramulla, in the presence of the 2IC, 112 Battalion BSF Baramulla, and Suresh Brittoo, Principal, St. Joseph’s School, Baramulla.
Addressing the gathering, the ADDC appreciated the department’s efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged young footballers to uphold discipline, sportsmanship and the spirit of healthy competition.
Principal Suresh Brittoo welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of sports in nurturing leadership, teamwork and character among students.
The competition will be conducted on a league basis across five venues. In the opening encounter, hosts Baramulla delivered an impressive performance, defeating Doda 7–0 to begin their campaign on a winning note.
Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, DYSSO Baramulla, welcomed the participating contingents and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing young athletes with competitive platforms to showcase their talent.