Samba, June 17: The 1st Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Volleyball Tournament commenced with great enthusiasm at Samba. The tournament has been organized by the Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha Samba in coordination with the Food & Drugs Safety Department Samba and the Youth Services & Sports Department.

A total of 18 teams from different areas are participating in the tournament, making it a vibrant sporting event aimed at promoting youth engagement and social awareness.

The inaugural match was played between Rehian and Mandi Sangwali, with Mandi Sangwali emerging victorious after an impressive performance. Players Aaryan, Aditya, and Shibhu displayed exceptional skills and played a crucial role in securing their team's win.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mohinder Singh as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the organizers for promoting sports and spreading awareness against drug abuse among the youth.

The tournament is being organized under the theme of "Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir", with the objective of encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and adopt a healthy and disciplined lifestyle through sports.

Members of the Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha Samba from various blocks of the district attended the event and extended their support to the initiative.

Notably, the tournament was inaugurated on June 17, the Raj Tilak (Coronation) Day of Maharaja Gulab Singh, to commemorate the historic occasion and pay tribute to his legacy.

The organizers expressed hope that the tournament would not only foster sporting talent but also strengthen the ongoing campaign for a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir.