• Top shuttlers secure final berths as administration promotes sports for a healthy, drug-free society

KATHUA: The District Badminton Tournament Kathua 2026, organised by the District Administration Kathua under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, entered its final stage today at the Indoor Stadium, Kathua, with the conduct of semi-final matches across all major categories.

The tournament has received an enthusiastic response from players across the district, with nearly 200 matches played over the past few days, showcasing talent, discipline and sportsmanship.

The finalists in different categories are Sunshine Gupta and Saanvi (U-14 Girls Singles); Abhiraj and Saksham Singh (U-14 Boys Singles); Aaradhay/Arsh and Dheerya/Aarav (U-14 Boys Doubles); Priyanshi Sharma and Manyata (U-19 Girls Singles and Women's Singles); Priyanshi & Sunshine and Manvir Kaur & Kanika (U-19 Girls Doubles); Aniket Sharma and Daksh Singh (U-19 Boys Singles); Saksham Sharma/Daksh Singh and Anirudher Jasrotia/Raghav Sharma (U-19 Boys Doubles) and Abhijeet Jasrotia and Manik (Men's Singles).

The Men's Doubles and Veteran Men's Doubles events are still in progress. One Men's Doubles pair, Shubham Sharma and Kulbandhu, has already secured a berth in the final, while the remaining Men's Doubles semi-final and the Veteran Men's Doubles matches are yet to be played.

A special highlight of the tournament was the anti-drug pledge administered to all participating players, who pledged to remain drug-free and encourage others to adopt sports as a way of life, reinforcing the message "Choose Sports, Not Drugs" in line with the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The District Administration Kathua is organising the tournament to encourage a sports culture among the youth and provide a platform for budding players to showcase their talent, and to spread the message of a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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