Tribune News Service
Doda, January 2

At a time when the government and local sports bodies have failed to organise sports events across Doda and Kishtwar, the Army is extending help to the youth waiting to showcase their talent during winter vacations.

Cricket, kabaddi, race and other such events have either been organised or are in the pipeline to tap the talent of J&K.

In November, the Army organised a kabaddi tournament for the people of Doda and a cricket tournament for the age group below 20 is in progress at the sports stadium Doda, which the 10 RR of Indian Army has organised.

“We want the youth to take benefit of winter vacations and showcase their talent in whatever way they can. The 4-sector of the Army is organising different events in Doda and the cricket tournament is one of the events,” said a Major-rank officer.

“On January 26, a 5-km race from Pul-Doda to Doda will be organised to mark the Republic Day celebrations and the winner will be awarded with a cash prize,” he added.

In the past, winter months used to be a blessing for the youth of Doda and Kishtwar as different sports events were being organised to provide an opportunity to the youth to remain engaged. But for the past few years, everything has come to a grinding halt. Neither the government nor the local sports bodies are coming forward to organise such events.

“It is a fact that we have enough talent in this part of the country but we are not being provided the opportunities to showcase it. Like the Army, others should also come forward to help the youth of the area,” said Irshad Hussain, a youth who is participating in the cricket tournament organised by the Army.