This isn’t just a tournament; it’s the heartbeat of a new generation. From October 17th to 19th, 2025, the Khan Ashraf Khan Stadium in Rawalakot became the stage for a revolution in local sports. The Under-20 District Poonch Volleyball Championship brought together 40 teams and 480 young athletes, proving that the future of volleyball in Azad Kashmir is not just bright—it’s electric. By implementing international FIVB rules at the youth level, the Poonch Volleyball Association (PVA) is ensuring that our boys aren’t just playing for the day, but are being groomed for the global stage.

Power, passion, teamwork, and discipline—rising together on the courts of Poonch. This is where champions are not born; they are made.

The scale of this championship was a testament to the talent brewing in our valleys. Out of the dozens of teams that entered, United Club HurnaMaira and Youth Club Miralgala (Banjosa) rose to the top through sheer grit and consistency. The final match was a masterclass in modern volleyball, with United Club HurnaMaira ultimately claiming the title. Their victory was backed by a massive community effort: SHARG – Transforming Energy stepped up to sponsor the Rs. 50,000 winner’s prize, presented by Sardar Sajjad Khan (Senior VP, AJKVA). This level of corporate support is exactly what our youth need to turn their passion into a professional career.

While teamwork won the day, several individuals stood out as beacons of technical excellence. Hadi Majid (Man of the Tournament), Nasir Farooq (Best Libero), Habib Zahid (Best Setter), and Jamal (Best Smasher) showed us that the ‘Poonch style’ of play is evolving into something world-class. We also saw incredible resilience from our runners-up, Youth Club Miralgala, who walked away with a Rs. 30,000 prize sponsored by The Spire Mall and presented by CEO Sardar Zubair Khan. These moments of recognition reinforce our core message for the youth: ‘Say No to Drugs — Love the Game.

A Vision for Tomorrow

As we close the chapter on this U-20 Championship, the PVA extends a heartfelt thank you to every official, sponsor, and fan who braved the weather to support these 480 stars. We have successfully bridged the gap between raw talent and professional standards.The journey has just begun, and the next legend of Poonch volleyball might just be a kid who watched this final from the sidelines. Game on.

The Championship Ceremony

The closing ceremony was a moment of true communal pride, where the leadership of Rawalakot’s business and educational sectors stood alongside our sports officials to honor the youth.

The final ceremony was graced by:

• Chief Guest: Sardar Sajjad Khan, Senior Vice President, AJK Volleyball Association.
• Special Guest: Mr. Muhib Sheraz, Retired Divisional Director E&SE, Poonch Division.
• Guest of Honor: Sardar Zubair Khan, CEO of The Spire Mall.
• Honorable Guest: Sardar Mazhar Shahid, Joint Secretary, AJK Volleyball Association.
• Honorable Guest: Mr. Abid Siddique, Central Information Secretary, AJK Volleyball Association.
• Distinguished Guests: Advocate Adil Zareef and Nisar Fani (Retired Education Officer).

Their presence at the Khan Ashraf Khan Stadium reminds our 480 young players that the entire community, from the mall to the classroom to the court, is rooting for their success.