The 17th Junior Roll Ball National Championship was inaugurated today at the Maulana Azad Stadium Skating Rink, Jammu, marking the beginning of a major national sporting event in Jammu & Kashmir. The championship is scheduled to be held from 29th December 2025 to 1st January 2026 at M.A. Stadium, Jammu.
The opening ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Sh. Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Sh. Satish Sharma, and Sh. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, J&K, as chief dignitaries. The dignitaries were accorded a warm welcome by the Secretary, J&K Sports Council, who presented flower bouquets and mementos to them.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister Sh. Surinder Kumar Choudhary said that hosting national-level championships reflects the growing sports ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that such events play a vital role in nurturing young talent, promoting unity, and positioning Jammu as a vibrant sporting destination with rich cultural diversity and warm hospitality. He welcomed all participating teams and wished them success during the championship.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports Sh. Satish Sharma stated that sports have emerged as a powerful medium for promoting fitness, discipline, and peace among youth. He highlighted that Jammu & Kashmir has been consistently hosting major national and international sporting events, which not only strengthen the sports culture but also project a positive image of the region across the country. He extended a heartfelt welcome to all players and officials, expressing confidence that they would experience the unique diversity, safety, and hospitality of J&K.
Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Nasir Aslam Wani said that the enthusiastic participation of teams from across India is a testament to the confidence reposed in Jammu & Kashmir as a capable host. He stressed that the government remains committed to providing world-class infrastructure and platforms for young athletes, ensuring that sports continue to thrive as a tool for youth engagement and national integration. He also welcomed all participants and officials, assuring them of a memorable and comfortable stay.
As part of the ceremony, the dignitaries felicitated international Roll Ball athletes from J&K, Ms. Suvidha Sareen and Mr. Hiteshwar Singh, who recently won gold medals at the Roll Ball World Cup, bringing laurels to Jammu & Kashmir through their consistent excellence and dedication to the sport.
The championship will witness the participation of around 600 players and officials from 26 States and Union Territories, making it one of the largest junior Roll Ball events in the country. Senior officials from the Roll Ball Federation of India and the J&K Roll Ball Association were also present on the occasion.
The 17th Junior Roll Ball National Championship is being hosted and sponsored by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the J&K Roll Ball Association, reaffirming J&K’s commitment to promoting sports at all levels and strengthening the national sporting landscape.
