06/07/2026
*DYSS SAMBA KICK- STARTS SOFTBALL CLUSTER CLUB AT GHSS BIRPUR*
*SAMBA, JULY 6:* In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots sports and promoting mass participation, the Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS), Samba, in hands with Mr. Sunil Singh DYSSO today launched the Softball Cluster Club at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) ground, Birpur. The initiative has been started under the visionary leadership of Ms. Anuradha Gupta, Director General Youth Services & Sports, J&K in line with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir's commitment to providing equal sporting opportunities and nurturing young talent through structured coaching programmes.
The inaugural proceedings were conducted by the Zonal Physical Education Officer (ZEPO), Purmandal, Mr. Umesh Sharma who appreciated the Department's pioneering initiative of establishing Cluster Clubs across the Union Territory. He highlighted that the programme aims to strengthen the sports culture at the grassroots level by providing systematic coaching and equal opportunities to both students and non-students.
The programme featured an interactive session by Chief Guest Sh. Ashok Singh Jamwal, Former Divisional Sports Officer, J&K Sports Council, and son of the soil, who has represented Jammu & Kashmir at National level. Addressing the participants, he stressed the importance of grassroots sports development and urged young players to make the best use of the coaching facilities being provided under the Cluster Club initiative. He expressed confidence that such programmes would play a vital role in identifying and nurturing future champions capable of representing the district, the Union Territory, and the nation.
Regular coaching sessions of the Cluster Club will be conducted by Sh. Dheeraj Singh, Physical Education Teacher (PET) and National Softball Player. The training programme will focus on imparting both fundamental and advanced skills of softball, preparing participants for district, UT, national and other recognised championships.
The Softball Cluster Club will remain open to both students and non-students under the aegis of the Department of Youth Services & Sports, ensuring wider community participation and creating a vibrant sporting environment in the region.
The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from budding players and local sports enthusiasts, who appreciated the Government's initiative and expressed their commitment to regular training and to the promotion of softball in Jammu & Kashmir.
Among those present on the occasion were Munishwar Singh Jamwal Retd DSP, Suraj Verma, Retd lecturer,Sarita Banderal (Lecturer, Physical Education), Sunil Sharma (PET), Rakesh Kumar (PET), Pavan Singh, Randhir Singh (Retired Master), Rohit Jamwal, Arjun, Satinder, Advocate Anukal Bhagat, besides a large number of local players and sports lovers.