By: Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah: In a spirited celebration of sports and community bonding, the 89th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) inaugurated the “Seema Prahari Cricket and Volleyball Competition” today at the Shan e Teethwal Stadium in the border village of Karnah in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Organized under the Civic Action Program, the event aimed to promote physical fitness, foster mutual brotherhood, and strengthen ties between security forces and local communities.
The opening ceremony was graced by Brigadier Manish Dutt Upadhyay (Retd), Deputy Inspector General of SHQ BSF Kupwara, who was joined by Pradeep Kumar Shah, Commandant of the 89th Battalion BSF, along with senior officers S.S. Ahmed, Second in Command, and Anoop Shukla, Deputy Commandant.
Local dignitaries, including Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Chairman of Chinar Youth Club Tangdhar, and Shujat Mustaq Turk, Vice Chairman, also attended the event. They were joined by an enthusiastic gathering of residents from Karnah and nearby villages, who turned out in large numbers to support the players and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship.
The competition kicked off with a thrilling cricket match between Bhattpura Gunners and Police XI, Karnah, setting the tone for the high-energy event. Matches in volleyball and other sports are expected to follow in the coming days, adding to the excitement of the local community.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Upadhyay highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering unity and resilience. “Sports bring people together and act as a bridge of understanding and friendship. Events like this encourage physical fitness while strengthening the bond between the BSF and the communities we serve,” he remarked.
The day concluded with refreshments for all participants and attendees. The event organizers expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the competition a success, emphasizing its broader objective of nurturing a culture of fitness and mutual brotherhood through sports.
As the Seema Prahari Cricket and Volleyball Competition progresses, it continues to stand as a testament to the power of sports in uniting diverse communities and reinforcing the values of harmony and collaboration.
