A mega sporting event “Gurez Football Tournament” was kick-started in the picturesque locales of the Gurez valley on Sunday.
The event is being organised by District Administration, Bandipora in collaboration with ELFA International is organizing “the mega Gurez Football Tournament” here at Gurez.
As per an official, the knockout football tournament was kick-started by SDM Gurez Dr. Mudasir Ahmad, and is being held under the guidance of DR. Owais Ahmad, District Development Commissioner Bandipora and overall supervision of Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, ADDC Bandipora.
Speaking on the occasion, SDM Gurez, Dr. Mudasir Ahmad, said that the District Administration Bandipora and Sub Divisional Administration is committed to the overall and holistic growth and development of youth in the area.
He appreciated the initiatives taken up by ELFA international in the direction of youth leadership programs, drug de-addiction via sports activities, and the overall spectrum of their humanitarian and social work.
He added that the administration aspires to take these events to all zones of the district and expressed his intent to collaborate with ELFA international to organize events like these in the future too.
As per the official, the winning team shall be awarded cash of Rs. 50,000 while as the runner-up team, with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 from ELFA International.
Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, ADDC Bandipora, complimented ELFA International’s efforts in carrying these activities far and wide to all corners of the Union territory.
He ensured the Adminstration’s active support to events like these which not only provide positive engagement to the youth but also act as anti-drug addiction agents.
SDM Gurez, emphasised the role of such programs in places like Gurez which are otherwise cut off and therefore left alone from the mainstream buzz of the state and people lack the requisite exposure.
He said that programs like these are pivotal in developing leadership qualities among youth and also have a positive role in acting as a deterrent against the growing menace of drug abuse.
He added that these activities also have the potential to engage youth in long-term sports activities, ensuring their physical, mental and social well-being.
The event was inaugurated by Mehran Khan, CEO of ELFA International, who said that the program was an extension of ELFA International’s initiative in youth leadership, sports and the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign.
“The marathon event shall continue for four days during which the competing teams shall continue to showcase the spirit of sportsmanship, valour and team spirit,” he said.
He emphasised the role of sports in the overall growth and development of society and its potential to act as a deterrent against the menace of Drug Abuse.
Mehran also reiterated the need and necessity of organizing such events in places like Gurez, which otherwise receive very little attention due to tough terrain and remote location.
“ELFA International is committed to its cause of inclusiveness which includes organising events like these across the geographical spectrum,” he said.
He claimed that ELFA International (organization) has been relentlessly extending logistic and mentorship support in the field of sports since its inception, in addition to renovating and reconstructing the small playgrounds.
“ELFA International has been actively promoting sports activities by sponsoring teams across the state, providing them with sporting equipment and other logistical equipment,” he said.
