Nazim Ali Manhas
Mendhar:DD, The championship opened at the dusty court of Boys Higher Secondary School, Mendhar, where six teams – GHSS Mendhar, GHS Uchhad, GHSS Mendhar, GHS Gohlad, GDC Mendhar and GHS Mankote – lined up for a fast‑paced showdown; girls Kho‑Kho opening match and their excitement on ground saw the players sprint, turn sharply and tag with a roar that set the crowd alight, and the clash between GDC Mendhar and GHSS Mendhar was especially thrilling as the score seesawed before GHSS Mendhar edged ahead 12‑9, earning loud cheers from packed stands.
Chief Guest, CO Mendhar Bn, took the microphone and lifted the spirits of everyone present; chief guest interaction and motivation highlighted his powerful message: “Your speed, teamwork and never‑give‑up attitude are exactly what our region needs,” he said, praising every dash and tag and reminding the girls that each effort builds a stronger, united Mendhar and opens new doors for their future.
The tournament is a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, run by the Mendhar Bn / Bhimber Gali Brigade; Indian Army initiative and Op Sadbhavana explains how the Army organizes sports events to bring communities together, provide a safe platform for youth and link talented athletes with training and career opportunities, turning a simple game into a stepping stone for local girls.
When girls run, tag and strategise on the Kho‑Kho field they break stereotypes and prove they can lead and excel; women empowerment and opportunity to girls notes that the cheers from families, teachers and peers turn each performance into a celebration of confidence, discipline and collective strength, and the recognition gained can lead to scholarships, coaching and future employment in sports.
Kho‑Kho is an ancient Indian tag game dating back over 2,000 years, rooted in the Mahabharata era; importance of Kho‑Kho – its origin and evolution describes how the game, traditionally played in rural courts, demands speed, agility and quick thinking, and has evolved into a structured sport with national championships while keeping its core values of teamwork, fitness and fair play, and the Mendhar tournament honors this heritage while encouraging modern youth to stay active and connected to their cultural roots.
Looking ahead, the Girls’ Kho‑Kho will continue through the week, followed by Athletics on 1 Dec, a Cricket tournament from 2‑5 Dec, the Mendhar Marathon on 9 Dec and the Grand Finale on 11 Dec, featuring cultural performances, prize distribution and an Ex‑SM meet; Upcoming events promise more excitement, community spirit and opportunities for local talent.DD