Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!š Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. AWANTIPORA: The Sports Festival 2026, featuring Inter-Departmental Tournaments for Men and Women, was inaugurated at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), marking the beginning of a vibrant sporting event aimed at promoting sportsmanship, student engagement, and the message of a drug-free society.
The festival was inaugurated at the University's Synthetic Athletics Track by Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (IAS), Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services & Sports Department, J&K, in the presence of Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST; Prof. Shamim A. Shah, Registrar; Mr. Sameer Wazir Finance Officer; Prof. Ghulam Nabi Itoo, Director, Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis, Deans, Heads of Departments; faculty members, officers, students, and sportspersons. The programme was organized by the Directorate of Physical Education & Sports in collaboration with the Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis, Office of the Dean Outreach, NSS, and the local community of Awantipora.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary lauded the efforts of the Directorate of Physical Education & Sports in promoting a vibrant sporting culture on campus. Appreciating IUST's initiatives under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, he highlighted the role of sports in youth empowerment, nation-building, and social transformation. In a major boost to the University's sports infrastructure, he announced the establishment of a Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex and a Pavilion at the Synthetic Athletics Track. He also assured full support from the Youth Services & Sports Department for the development of sports facilities and promotion of sporting activities at IUST.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest for his continued support towards sports development. He emphasized that sports are an integral component of holistic education and reiterated the University's commitment to fostering physical fitness, leadership, discipline, and teamwork alongside academic excellence. He noted that the proposed sports infrastructure would significantly strengthen opportunities for nurturing sporting talent and advancing IUST's vision of becoming a leading centre for sports excellence in the region.
The welcome address and overview of the Sports Festival were presented by Dr. Hilal Ahmad Rather, Assistant Director, Physical Education & Sports, who highlighted the University's sustained efforts to promote sporting excellence, healthy lifestyles, and youth engagement through structured sports programmes and competitions. The ceremony concluded with the formal declaration of the Sports Festival open, followed by active participation from students representing various departments in Athletics, Football, Volleyball, and Badminton competitions.
