Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The 132 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, Sanatnagar, inaugurated a three-day volleyball tournament in Srinagar on Monday, part of the force’s Civic Action Programme for 2025–26 aimed at deepening its engagement with local youth and encouraging sporting talent in the region. Organised under the aegis of Srinagar Sector CRPF, the tournament is being held at the volleyball court of 132 Bn at Nedous Hotel from September 14 to 16, with eight teams competing on a knockout basis over the three days.
The event was formally inaugurated by Commandant W.R. Josuah of 132 Bn CRPF, in the presence of CRPF officers and personnel, the participating players and residents of M.A. Road, Srinagar, underscoring the community-facing character of the initiative. The opening fixture of the tournament, played between Syedpora Smashers and Court Crushers, was won by Syedpora Smashers, setting the tone for what organisers hope will be a spirited three days of competitive sport.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Commandant Josuah said the tournament was designed to motivate Srinagar’s younger generation, give emerging volleyball players a proper platform to showcase their skills, and build stronger, more constructive ties between the CRPF and local residents. He noted that civic initiatives of this kind form a core part of the force’s outreach strategy in the Kashmir Valley, where sports and cultural engagement have increasingly been used as tools to connect security personnel with the communities they serve.
As part of the initiative, volleyball kits were distributed to players from all eight participating teams, a gesture organisers said was intended to support continued training and participation beyond the tournament itself. Prize money and recognition have also been built into the event’s structure: the winning team will receive ₹10,000 along with a trophy and certificates, the runners-up will take home ₹7,000 with a trophy and certificates, and the tournament’s Best Player will be honoured with ₹1,500, a trophy and a certificate.
The three-day tournament reflects the CRPF’s broader and sustained push, through its Civic Action Programme, to promote sporting culture, encourage youth participation and foster constructive community engagement across Jammu and Kashmir, with local security formations increasingly organising such events as part of confidence-building efforts in the region.
