Kaith Brothers Bholar Crowned Champions of Anshul Memorial Cup Season-1 Volleyball Tournament at Sholi Village. 

Kuldeep Singh Thakur was the chief guest of this event.

Shimla:

The four-day Anshul Memorial Cup Season-1 Volleyball Tournament concluded today with a spirited closing ceremony at Sholi village, located under Nankhari tehsil of Shimla district, leaving a lasting impact on sports enthusiasts and local residents alike. The tournament, which commenced on August 18, saw participation from over 30 teams across Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports in rural regions.

The tournament culminated with Kaith Brothers Bholar clinching the Ashwani Memorial Cup 2025 Season-1 title, after a series of intense and competitive matches. Team Fagu emerged as the runner-up, securing the second prize in the tournament.

A Grand Sporting Event in a Serene Village Setting

The event was organized by Yuvak Mandal Sholi, a local youth organization that took commendable initiative to host such a large-scale sporting event in a remote area. The organizing team ensured adequate accommodation for all participating players within the village. Matches were played even during the night, with proper lighting arrangements made to ensure smooth conduct of the games – a first-of-its-kind in the area.

The closing ceremony was graced by Kuldeep Singh Thakur, a former national-level player, who attended the event as the chief guest. He was welcomed and accompanied on the stage by Yuvak Mandal office bearer Nagender Sharma.

Sports as a Tool to Combat Social Evils

In his address to the gathering, Kuldeep Singh Thakur lauded the efforts of Yuvak Mandal Sholi for organizing such a successful tournament. He highlighted the growing threat of drug abuse among youth and emphasized the critical role of sports in fostering discipline, focus, and a healthy lifestyle.

“Drug menace is a serious issue affecting our society, especially the youth. Parents need to be more vigilant and proactive in guiding their children. Sports can be a powerful medium to steer them away from such harmful paths and instill self-discipline,” he said.

Thakur further encouraged other villages and youth organizations to follow the example set by Sholi and host similar events to keep young minds engaged in positive pursuits.

Felicitation of Winners

The chief guest distributed trophies and awards to the winners and congratulated all participating teams for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. He expressed hope that such initiatives would become a regular feature in the region, contributing to both youth development and community engagement.

The Ashwani Memorial Cup 2025 Season-1 has not only brought the thrill of competitive sports to a rural setting but has also proven to be a significant step towards community building and youth empowerment. The successful hosting of this tournament sets a precedent for grassroots sports development in Himachal Pradesh.

Cultural program was also held on this occasion to entertain the audience.

Highlights:

• Over 30 teams from across Himachal Pradesh participated.
• Matches played day and night with full lighting arrangements.
• Kaith Brothers Bholar won the tournament; Team Fagu were runners-up.
• Organized by Yuvak Mandal Sholi.
• Chief Guest Kuldeep Singh Thakur emphasized the role of sports in curbing drug abuse.