Restive Kashmir Valley finds happy distraction in basketball

The Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council (JKSSC) has taken the step of diverting the attention students and youth from the ongoing disturbance in the Kashmir Valley by hosting a basketball tournament in Srinagar.

Around 100 students participated in the tournament and expressed relief at coming out of their homes after more than three months. Some said that the disturbed situation in the valley had taken a toll of their physical and mental health, and hampered their studies and extracurricular activities. They said the tournament had provided them with some relief and has filled them with hope.

"If tournaments like this are organised, then children will be gainfully occupied. It is almost going to be four months since the curfew was imposed in the valley. Schools have been closed and children want to be involved in such curricular activities," said Rehan, a player.

"Everybody is getting a chance to participate in this tournament. We also get to learn something from them. If these children keep participating in such tournaments, they have a bright future," said Mir Mursalen, one of the organizers of the tournament.

The JKSSC promotes sports activities in the state with the aim of promoting social inclusion and engagement of youth.