JAMMU :The Rotary Premier Hockey League, District 3070, entered a decisive stage on Day 3, with exciting semifinal encounters at K.K. Hakku Stadium, Jammu. Of the eight teams that began the tournament, four progressed to the semifinals, with Khalsa Club and MBS Simbal Camp qualifying for the final.
Organised under the aegis of Hockey J&K, the league has brought together players, Rotarians, public representatives and members of civil society to promote sportsmanship, physical fitness, discipline and constructive engagement among young people.
The first semifinal was jointly hosted by Rotary Club of Jammu Stars, led by President Rtn. Adv. Neetu Kour Bali and Secretary Rtn. Ginni Chadda, and Rotary Club Kathua, led by President Rtn. Subash Sharma and Secretary Rtn. Chuni Lal. The collaboration reflects Rotary’s commitment to encouraging sporting talent and using community initiatives to inspire healthier lifestyles among youth.
The Day 3 proceedings were graced by Sh. Vikram Randhawa, MLA Bahu, and Sh. Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East. Sh. Shridhar Patil, IPS, DIG Jammu–Samba–Kathua Range, was the Chief Guest for the first semifinal, while Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Deputy Director Health, graced the second semifinal as Chief Guest.
The dignitaries appreciated Rotary’s efforts in promoting sports and motivating young people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. They observed that sporting platforms help channel youthful energy in a positive direction, foster discipline and teamwork, and contribute to efforts to keep young people away from drug abuse.
Rtn. Adv. Neetu Kour Bali, President, Rotary Club of Jammu Stars, expressed her sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests for graciously attending the occasion and encouraging the players. She thanked the public representatives and other dignitaries for their presence and for recognising the importance of sports in youth development. She also acknowledged the contribution of Hockey J&K, Rotary Club Kathua, fellow Rotarians, participating teams and volunteers in making the event meaningful and successful.
Mrs. Rtn. Pooja Malhotra, Zonal Chair, emphasised that sporting initiatives such as the Rotary Premier Hockey League extend beyond competition. They create opportunities for young people to demonstrate their abilities, develop confidence, learn teamwork and embrace discipline and healthy living. She noted that collective efforts by service organisations and the wider community are essential to nurturing young talent and creating positive avenues for youth engagement.
Senior Rotarians and other attendees included Rtn. Pooja Malhotra, Zonal Polio Chair; Rtn. Ashok Gupta, lPS , Former IGP,
Insp. Raghubir Singh, SHO Gandhi Nagar; Rtn. Meena Jaggi, Assistant Governor; Rtn. Dr. Shivani Choudhary; Rtn. Shakshi; Rtn. Satyadeep, Assistant Governor Rotary; Rtn. Jatinder Gandhok; and Rtn. Meena Jamwal, along with members of their respective club teams.
The matches were also witnessed by young female hockey players from Simbal, other young players and prominent members of civil society, highlighting the importance of inclusive sporting opportunities and greater participation in hockey.
Rtn. PDG Dr. Dushyant Choudhary, Chair of Rotary J&K Zone, and Rtn. Jaswinder Singh Kuku, Event Chairman, reiterated Rotary’s commitment to promoting sports among youth and strengthening unity and brotherhood across Jammu and Kashmir.
Event Coordinator Dr. Navneet Kaur described the league as an initiative giving young people a new direction through “health, discipline and dignity.” She thanked the Rotarians of the host clubs for their sustained efforts and acknowledged the support of Hockey J&K, the management of Hakku Stadium, and the print and electronic media.
With Khalsa Club and MBS Simbal Camp advancing to the final, the league has reinforced the role of sports in bringing communities together and encouraging young people to pursue healthy and constructive activities. The collaborative efforts of Rotary Club of Jammu Stars and Rotary Club Kathua, along with the support of participating teams and dignitaries, have contributed to advancing this shared objective.
The Rotary Premier Hockey League continues to carry a message of sportsmanship, service and solidarity—encouraging young people to lead healthier lives and contribute positively to society.