Srinagar, Sep 10: The 17th Union Territory-level Jammu & Kashmir Rugby 7s Championship concluded at Polo Ground’s Synthetic Rugby Field with Srinagar winning gold in the senior men’s category and Bandipora clinching the under-boys title after two days of thrilling competition on 8th and 9th September, organisers said.
As per a statement issued on Wednesday, the event was organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Rugby Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council.
This year’s championship witnessed the participation of around 40 teams from various districts, reflecting the game’s rapid rise among the youth.
As per the results in the senior men’s category, Srinagar won gold, Bandipora silver, and Baramulla and Kupwara bronze. In the boys category, Bandipora won gold, Kupwara silver, and Baramulla & Poonch bronze.
The championship saw fast-paced matches, excellent teamwork, and remarkable performances from young and senior athletes alike, making it a memorable sporting spectacle.
The Chief Guest, Mohd Shafi Dar, Secretary, J&K Rugby Association, graced the concluding ceremony and distributed medals and trophies to the winning teams. While congratulating the athletes, he stated,
“Rugby in Jammu & Kashmir is not just a sport; it is becoming a movement of passion and unity. Seeing our youngsters display such skill and sportsmanship gives us confidence that J&K will shine at the national and international stages.”
The event also had the esteemed presence of Irfan Aziz Botta, Chief Coach of J&K Rugby, as the Guest of Honour, who praised the players’ spirited performances. He remarked, “The growing participation in rugby from every corner of J&K shows the bright future of this game in our region. With continued support, our players will achieve even greater heights.”
The successful conduct of the 17th edition of this championship highlights the commitment of the J&K Rugby Association and J&K Sports Council towards nurturing grassroots talent and building a strong future for rugby in the Union Territory. With increased participation and competitive spirit, rugby continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sports in the region.
