Poonch, Oct 9: The 31st Throwball Federation Cup (Men & Women) 2026–27 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at BSF Ground, Rajpura, Mandi, District Poonch, by the Chief Guest, S. Amarjeet Singh, JKAS, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC). The championship is being jointly organised by the District Poonch Throwball Association and the J&K 7 Side Throwball Association, under the aegis of the Throwball Federation of India and under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

The three-day national-level championship has brought together talented players from different parts of the country, providing them with a platform to showcase their sporting skills, competitive spirit, discipline and sportsmanship. Teams from Karnataka, Odisha, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh are participating in the Men’s and Women’s categories, making the championship an important sporting event for the region.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Amarjeet Singh, JKAS, ADDC Poonch, as the Chief Guest. Shri Virender Kumar, 2IC, 53 Battalion BSF, Mandi, and Dr. Ajay Sharma, JKPS, Additional Superintendent of Police, Poonch, attended as Guests of Honour. Several prominent personalities and distinguished guests were also present, including former BDC Mandi Chairman Shamim Ganai, former Sarpanch Shahzad Khan, Mubashir Banday, Anwer Khan, Principal, Boys Higher Secondary School, Mandi.
Representatives of the J&K 7 Side Throwball Association, including Sahil Ali Beigh, General Secretary; Wilayat Hussain, President; were also present on the occasion. Syed Imran Hussain Shan, State Secretary, played an important role in coordinating and facilitating the championship, contributing significantly to its successful organisation.
Addressing the gathering, the Organising Secretary, Imtiaz Ahmed, welcomed the dignitaries, participating teams, technical officials and sports enthusiasts. He briefed the gathering about the objectives and arrangements of the championship and highlighted the importance of promoting throwball at the national level. He emphasised that hosting such a prestigious sporting event in Mandi, Poonch, would encourage local youth to participate in sports, nurture sporting talent and strengthen the spirit of national integration through sports.
The championship also carries a significant social message under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, encouraging young people to adopt a healthy, active and disciplined lifestyle and stay away from drugs and other harmful substances. The organisers highlighted that sports play a vital role in channelising the energy of youth towards positive activities, teamwork, mutual respect and nation-building.
The distinguished guests appreciated the efforts of the organising committee and congratulated the District Poonch Throwball Association and the J&K 7 Side Throwball Association for bringing a national-level sporting championship to the border district of Poonch. They also acknowledged the dedication of the organisers, volunteers, officials and supporting institutions in making the event possible.
The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to the Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Management Committee and the Tourism Department for their valuable support and cooperation. Their contribution was acknowledged as an important part of the collective efforts to promote sports, tourism and the positive image of Poonch district.
On the occasion, Javed Ahmed Lone, President, District Poonch Throwball Association, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, participating teams, officials, supporting organisations, media representatives and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the championship. He also appreciated the active participation and dedication of all members of the District Poonch Throwball Association and the J&K 7 Side Throwball Association.
The inauguration of the 31st Throwball Federation Cup marks an important milestone in the promotion of sports in Poonch district. The championship is expected to provide an exciting platform for competition, foster friendships among players from different states and reinforce the message that sports are a powerful medium for youth empowerment, social harmony and a drug-free India.