MUZAFFARABAD: The Kashmir Premier League (KPL) will organise a football tournament in Mirpur from Oct 8 to 10 with teams named after different parts of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir taking part.

The tournament will be played on a single round-robin basis, with the six teams — Mirpur Warriors, Muzaffarabad Titans, Poonch Champions, Ladakh Legends, Srinagar Strikers and Jammu Challengers — competing against each other.

The event was announced at a press conference held at the Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Friday, where speakers

said the tournament would provide young footballers an opportunity to showcase their talent and promote interaction among people from different regions.

MUST Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Anwar Khattab said sporting events could help promote discipline, teamwork and leadership among young people, besides creating opportunities for social and economic activity in Mirpur.

“Sports play an important role not only in the physical health of young people but also in personality development. They promote discipline, tolerance, teamwork and leadership,” he said.

Mr Khattab said the participation of players, officials and spectators from different areas could also contribute to economic activity in Mirpur by benefiting hotels, transport, markets, restaurants and other businesses.

He said sporting events could help establish lasting links among people from different cities and regions, creating opportunities for educational, cultural, social and commercial cooperation.

Mr Khattab also said the tournament would carry messages about clean water, a clean

environment and solid-waste management, while appreciating the cooperation of Muslim Hands in welfare projects, including floodlights and water filtration plants.

He stressed the need to provide underprivileged children with opportunities and support in sports so that talented youngsters did not lose their potential because of a lack of resources.

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2026