DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
Rajouri, June 18
In a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War, the Indian Army, under the aegis of the Ace of Spades Division, instituted the Inter-Village Late Sep Hardeep Singh Memorial Volleyball Tournament 2024. The tournament, named in honor of the brave Sepoy Hardeep Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay in 1999, brought together villages near the Line of Control (LC) to celebrate sportsmanship and patriotism.
The tournament commenced on 10 June 2024 and concluded with the final match on 18 June 2024. Organized by the Tithwal Warriors, the event aimed to commemorate the Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti Samaroh-2024, marking 25 years since the victory in the Kargil conflict. Sixteen teams from villages including Kalal, Gaucher, Bisali, Lam, Mangla, Nonial, and Bhovani participated in the competition, showcasing their athletic skills and community spirit. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the local population, with men, women, and children from the surrounding villages gathering to witness the matches. The volleyball tournament not only highlighted the athletic prowess of the participants but also served as a platform for fostering community engagement and unity.
Held in the picturesque village of Pukharni and Lam in the Rajouri district, the tournament drew significant attention and support from the local community. The matches were played with great zeal and competitiveness, with each team striving to honor the memory of Late Sep Hardeep Singh and the other Kargil heroes. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as villagers cheered for their respective teams, creating a vibrant and lively environment. In addition to the volleyball matches, the event featured a special ceremony to felicitate the Veer Naris (war widows) of Kargil War heroes from the local area. This gesture was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families, and it underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring their legacy. The Veer Naris were presented with mementos and were publicly recognized for their strength and resilience. One of the highlights of the tournament was the final match, which saw an intense and thrilling competition between the top two teams. The skill and determination displayed by the players were commendable, and the match kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. In the end, the winning team was awarded the championship trophy, and individual players were recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, a senior officer from the Ace of Spades Division remarked, “This tournament is not just a celebration of sports but also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our soldiers and their families. It is an honor to see the community come together in such a vibrant display of unity and patriotism. We are committed to continuing such initiatives that promote sportsmanship and national pride.” The success of the Inter-Village Late Sep Hardeep Singh Memorial Volleyball Tournament has set a promising precedent for future events. The Indian Army plans to continue organizing similar tournaments and community engagement activities, reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and the local population. Such initiatives not only promote physical fitness and sportsmanship but also instill a sense of national pride and camaraderie among the participants and spectators. In conclusion, the Inter-Village Late Sep Hardeep Singh Memorial Volleyball Tournament 2024 was a resounding success, achieving its dual objectives of honoring the Kargil War heroes and fostering community spirit.
The event demonstrated the power of sports to unite people and highlighted the enduring bond between the Indian Army and the local communities near the LC.
As the nation prepares to celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, the tournament stands as a testament to the valor of the soldiers and the strength of their legacy.
