*INTER SCHOOL GIRLS KHO KHO TOURNAMENT (FIRST OF ITS KIND) ORGANISED BY ARMY AT HALMATPORA, KUPWARA*

Syed liyaqat


KHO KHO is a traditional and one of the oldest outdoor sports played in India. Played between two teams with 12 players each  to chase and defend their team over four quarters it requires immense stamina and agility. 
Indian Army in its continuous efforts to reach out to all strata of society undertook the initiative of further empowering the girl child by organising the first of its kind Inter school Girls KHO KHO tournament wherein girls from the age group of 12 to 17 years participated in the outdoor event. 
The two day tournament started on 30 Jun 2022 at *Govt Higher Secondary School, Halmatpora* where in *ten teams from six schools* participated and over all eight matches were played including semi finals. Teams from Govt High School, Batpora and Upper Primary School, Shatpora fought their way through to the finals in which *Upper Primary School, Shatpora* won the match with a close margin. 
Commander, 68 Mountain Brigade and Commanding Officer 41 RR graced the event and complimented the teams for their enthusiasm and performance. Each participating team was given a cash prize of Rs 1000 each. Winner and runner up teams were given individual prizes for each player alongwith trophies and cash prize of Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 from Commander. 

 *Sohliya Mushtaq* of the winning team was adjudged *player of the tournament* and gifted a special prize of Rs 1000/- by the Commander. 

 *Total of 120 girls participated* in the event with josh and enthusiasm which reflected the spirit to perform and excel in all fields. The surroundings were filled with loud cheers and applause by the audience for the teams which made the moment and atmosphere around ecstatic.