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In a remarkable celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit, Baramulla hosted its first-ever multi-discipline sports festival, Varmul Gindo, in September 2024. The event, organized by the J&K Sports Council and the District Sports Association Baramulla, in collaboration with the Indian Army, brought together over 1,600 athletes, both boys and girls, to compete in 13 different sports disciplines. This month-long festival marked a significant milestone for the district, culminating on September 18, 2024, after a series of exciting matches and memorable performances.
Varmul Gindo featured a diverse range of sports, including football, hockey, volleyball, handball, badminton, table tennis, chess, carom, wushu, basketball, kabaddi, rugby, karate, and tug of war. This wide variety allowed athletes from various backgrounds to showcase their skills, with over 78 teams and numerous individual participants registering through their respective district sports associations.
One of the festival’s highlights was the introduction of rugby, a sport never before played in Baramulla. For many participants, especially young girls like Jannat, this provided a unique opportunity to showcase their talent. Jannat, a passionate rugby player, expressed her gratitude to the Indian Army for supporting the event and enabling young athletes like herself to shine.
The festival took place across eight key venues, including the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium, Prof. Shaukat Ali Stadium, and the Chinar YUVA Centre. These venues were abuzz with energy as athletes competed fiercely in their respective sports. The participation numbers reflected the enthusiasm: 119 participants in kabaddi, 243 in football, 214 in hockey, and 164 in rugby, among many others.
Varmul Gindo was not just about competition—it was a platform for fostering unity and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth of Baramulla. Mr. Omar Kakroo, President of the District Sports Association, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Varmul Gindo represents a major effort by the District Sports Association to foster unity and sporting excellence in our community. We believe this festival has provided a great platform for our youth to demonstrate their skills and develop a passion for sports.”
The event kicked off on September 4, 2024, at the Shaukat Ali Stadium, where dignitaries, local leaders, and sports enthusiasts gathered to cheer on the participants. As the festival progressed, it became clear that Varmul Gindo was more than just a sporting event—it was a celebration of community spirit and the power of sports to bring people together.
The athletic competitions at Varmul Gindo were a thrilling spectacle. The 100m sprint events for both men and women were particularly memorable, with Suhil Bashir taking the top spot in the men’s category, and Mehreen Javed showcasing her powerful sprint to claim first place in the women’s race. The shot put and discus throw events were also fiercely contested, with Adil Hussain and Tanvir Mir excelling in their respective disciplines.
For the spectators, the relay events were a highlight, with close finishes that kept the crowds on the edge of their seats. The festival’s organizers praised the high level of participation and excitement, already looking forward to making next year’s edition even bigger and better.
The Indian Army played a pivotal role in the success of Varmul Gindo, providing logistical support and facilitating the smooth execution of the event under Operation Sadhbhavna. The collaboration between the Indian Army, the J&K Sports Council, and the District Sports Association demonstrated the power of teamwork in fostering community development and promoting sports in the region.
In her closing remarks, Jannat, one of the young rugby players, expressed her appreciation for the Indian Army’s support. “We are very thankful for the opportunity to participate in such a well-organized event. It’s a dream come true to see our district host such a large-scale sports festival,” she said.
As Varmul Gindo came to a close with a grand ceremony, the winners were awarded for their achievements, and the festival was hailed as a resounding success. The event not only showcased the immense sporting talent in Baramulla but also inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams.
For Baramulla, Varmul Gindo has set a new standard for community engagement and athletic excellence. The District Sports Association hopes to make this an annual event, further cementing Baramulla’s reputation as a hub for sporting talent in Jammu and Kashmir.
( Writer is a student can be reached on vaizzargar2019@gmail.com )
