Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir — ELFA International inaugurated the 12th DADA SIR Knockout Football Championship at Bandipora, marking yet another milestone in its sustained efforts to empower youth through sports and community engagement. The tournament, which has become a much-anticipated event in the region, brings together promising young footballers from across the Valley to showcase their talent, passion, and sportsmanship.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mr. Nawab Mehran Khan, President & CEO ELFA International, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad Mir, Sr. Vice President, ELFA International; Mr. Malik Abrar Altaf, Chief of Program Operations, ELFA International; and Mr. Zuain Wani, Logistics Officer, ELFA International. Their presence underscored the organization’s collective commitment to fostering youth leadership and holistic development through sporting interventions.
In his address, Mr. Khan highlighted the growing challenges faced by Kashmiri youth, particularly the alarming rise in drug abuse and depression. He emphasized that ELFA International remains deeply committed to addressing these pressing concerns through its flagship “Sports for Development” program, which uses sports as a tool for building resilience, confidence, and positive community engagement. He noted that tournaments like the Dada Sir Championship are not merely competitions but powerful platforms that channel the energy of youth into structured, healthy, and constructive activities.
Over the years, ELFA International has championed the use of sports as a transformative avenue for youth engagement. Beyond physical fitness, such initiatives are designed to instil life skills, discipline, teamwork, and leadership qualities among participants. By combining athletics with mentorship and community building, ELFA has sought to counter negative influences, create safe spaces for interaction, and inspire young people to pursue meaningful futures.
The 12th Dada Sir Football Tournament thus stands not only as a celebration of sport but also as a testament to ELFA International’s broader mission: to empower the next generation by addressing both the recreational and psychosocial needs of young people in Jammu & Kashmir. Through sustained programs in education, livelihood, healthcare, and youth leadership — with sports as a cornerstone — ELFA continues to reaffirm its vision of nurturing resilient, empowered, and socially responsible communities.
