NL Corresspondent
Jammu, June 7: The Masters Hockey Association of Jammu and Kashmir organised the first ever two-day Masters 6-A Side Hockey Championship at Hakku stadium Jammu.
Four teams of Jammu and Kashmir veterans and participants from neighboring states Himachal Pradesh and Punjab gathered to compete at Hakku Stadium Jammu.
The championship aimed to promote sports among veteran athletes, and was overseen by the association's Chairman Jaswinder Singh, President Adeep Singh Mehta, Vice President Preetpal Singh and Secretary General Angad Singh. Three teams of women veterans from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu took part in the women's league while eight men's teams participated in the main event. The association also plans to promote hockey among the younger generation by hosting similar events for younger players.
The Baba Bodhi Masters Hockey beat Himachal Pradesh Masters Hockey 4-1 in the final men's match, while women's finalists, Himachal Pradesh, beat Punjab 3-0.
During the event, Purnima Sharma praised the players for exemplifying good sportsmanship and emphasized the importance of steering youth away from drug use. She also acknowledged the Modi Government's efforts in promoting sports culture nationwide, encouraging young individuals to pursue a career in sports.
Mahant Rajesh Bittu, Chairman of Religious, Tourism, Cultural & Heritage Trust, expressed gratitude towards the tournament organizers for their hard work. Furthermore, he emphasized that the youth of J&K possess immense untapped potential, and encouraged them to channel their energy towards building the nation.
A vote of thanks was extended by the association to the sports council of Jammu and Kashmir for the use of the AstroTurf at Hakku Stadium.
