Kulgam hosts first-ever night Kho-Kho matches in U-19 Inter-District Championship; Bandipora, Baramulla enter finals

Kulgam, Sept 14: At a historic moment for sports in South Kashmir, district Kulgam hosted the Under-19 Inter-District Provisional Level Kho-Kho Championship for boys and girls under the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, hosting night-kho matches for the first time under 2025-26.

The boys’ tournament, which started on 12 September, reached an exciting phase with two semifinals played in floodlights at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kulgam today which took place for the first time in the sports history of the district. In semi-finals Bandipora defeated Kupwara and made it to qualify for the finals. Baramulla defeated Anantnag to finish second in the title match and qualified for the finals.

Officials said that the floodlights and the onset of professional systems have improved the competitive environment, inspiring young athletes to prepare for high-level tournaments. The matches demonstrated exceptional athletic capacity, strategic sports and enthusiasts, which received full support from the audience.

The boys final will be played tomorrow, while the girls’ tournament will run from 16 to 19 September, expecting participation from the entire region.

Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan and senior officials appreciated the initiative, saying that such events promote a healthy, drug -free lifestyle and provide the youth with a platform to excel in sports.