Srinagar, Aug 25: A gender-inclusive sports event was organised at Higher Secondary School, Nambla, in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday, bringing together boys and girls to participate in various sporting and recreational activities.
The event was organised by Agaaz International, an NGO working towards women’s empowerment and gender equality since 2017.
Students participated collectively in volleyball, badminton, tug-of-war, sack race and spoon race, providing them an opportunity to compete, collaborate and showcase their sporting abilities in an inclusive environment.
The initiative aimed to use sports as a platform to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and promote equal participation of girls and boys in sports.
The organisers said the event sought to encourage girls to compete and excel alongside boys while creating a more inclusive environment within educational institutions.
The programme was attended by Prince Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Uri; Colonel Gurpreet Singh and Muzaffar Ahmed, Principal, Higher Secondary School, Nambla.
Their presence and encouragement highlighted the importance of providing students, irrespective of gender, with opportunities to participate in sports and develop confidence.
The event also featured a Pahari cultural performance by girls from Girls Higher Secondary School, Nambla. The performance showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage and added a cultural dimension to the programme.
The organisers said such initiatives can help create spaces where young girls can express themselves confidently, participate in public activities and take pride in their cultural heritage.
