Bandipora, Jan 6 (JKNS): The Bandipora Sports Advisory Board on Tuesday convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at La Vista Restaurant, Bandipora, bringing together representatives from football, handball, kabaddi, water sports and several other disciplines, along with key office bearers and volunteers, to review achievements and outline future priorities for sports development in the district.
During the meeting, members appreciated the growing sporting culture in Bandipora and stressed the need for systematic documentation and wider publicity of local sporting achievements to motivate youth and enhance the district’s sporting profile.
A major focus of the discussions was youth orientation, with members observing that although young people are actively participating in sports, many lack proper guidance regarding career pathways and long-term planning. The Board, therefore, called for structured mentoring and counselling initiatives. It also unanimously demanded the formation of a separate Kabaddi Association for Bandipora, stating that the existing joint structure with Baramulla and Kupwara does not adequately serve Bandipora’s players or ensure fair representation.
In football, members proposed a dedicated school-level initiative to strengthen grassroots participation and talent scouting by engaging educational institutions in a more systematic manner.
To expand competitive exposure, the Board resolved to work towards organising a separate Under-17 tournament and open tournaments for other age groups across multiple sports, ensuring regular and meaningful match opportunities for athletes. Members also highlighted the urgent need for improved sports infrastructure, calling for the development of additional playgrounds and timely completion of works at the main stadium and the New Indoor Stadium. It was decided that these issues would be formally raised at appropriate forums.
The AGM further laid emphasis on governance and internal reforms. It was decided that all activities would be conducted under a single unified banner to enhance coordination and accountability. An observer system was approved, under which at least one Board representative will attend major events to monitor and support proceedings.
The Board also agreed to issue official membership cards, clearly define roles for members not associated with specific games, enforce an attendance-based disciplinary clause for non-participating members, and introduce a basic member contribution to support routine operations, thereby strengthening transparency and sustainability of the organisation. (JKNS)