Baramulla: The District Baramulla PITTU Championship, a much-awaited sporting spectacle celebrating one of India’s oldest traditional games, concluded today at the Sports Ground, Ladoora Rafiabad amid tremendous zeal and excitement.
Organised by the PITTU Association of Baramulla in collaboration with the PITTU Association of Jammu and Kashmir, the two-day championship drew more than 160 players from across the district. Alongside the competitive matches, the event also featured an introductory coaching camp for boys and girls, designed to promote the sport as recreation and a professional pursuit.
Celebrating Tradition and Youth Engagement
The event was inaugurated on September 18 and culminated today with a vibrant closing ceremony. Chief Guest Er. (Retd) Nirmal Singh and Guests of Honour Sheikh Muneer, noted social activist, and author Irfan Nazir, applauded the organiser for their commitment to reviving this indigenous sport and inspiring the younger generation.
Other key dignitaries included Technical Officer Tausif Ashraf, Bashid Bashir, Adil Shabir, Organising Secretary Shaheen Jan, and Shahid Nazeer, whose contributions ensured the championship’s smooth execution.
Preserving Heritage, Promoting Sport
The President of the PITTU Association of Baramulla expressed pride in the enthusiastic response from both players and the local community. He hailed PITTU as a “timeless game of skill and camaraderie” and credited the PITTU Federation of India for its nationwide revival efforts.
“Such initiatives not only preserve India’s cultural heritage but also provide healthy, meaningful engagement for our youth,” he said, urging schools, parents, and communities to encourage traditional sports alongside modern ones.
Skill, Spirit, and Sportsmanship
The championship matches were marked by discipline, agility, and exceptional teamwork. The energy of the players was matched by the loud cheers from spectators, reaffirming that PITTU still holds a deep cultural and emotional connection with the younger generation.
The event concluded with a spirited prize distribution ceremony, where dignitaries motivated participants with words of encouragement and appreciation.
National Vision and Leadership
A special tribute was extended to Kailash Vijayvargiya, President of the PITTU Federation of India, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, and Former BJP General Secretary, whose visionary leadership has fueled the sport’s revival nationwide.
“Under Vijayvargia’s dynamic vision, PITTU is transforming from a rural pastime into a nationally recognised sport. His tireless efforts are creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and preserving our cultural identity,” the organisers emphasised.
Towards a National Movement
The resounding success of the District Baramulla PITTU Championship has proven that traditional sports can regain their rightful place in society. With the support of visionary leaders and the committed efforts of local associations, PITTU is steadily evolving into a national movement of cultural pride, youth empowerment, and sporting excellence.
