A surge of sportsmanship, unity, and youthful energy has gripped the district as Varmul Gindo 2025 unfolds in full swing. With over 1,600 athletes participating in more than 20 sports disciplines at 12 venues, this month-long festival continues to capture the spirit of Baramulla’s vibrant sporting culture. The event’s reach extends from football and volleyball to emerging sports like fencing, billiards, powerlifting, and women’s rugby—offering Baramulla’s youth an unprecedented stage to shine.
Volleyball has emerged as one of the most followed sports at the festival. With its fast pace, thrilling rallies, and electric crowd energy, it’s no surprise that the courts have drawn large audiences. In the girls’ volleyball category, the competition kicked off with a strong performance by the Elite VB Club, which defeated Welkin School on 24 June in a confident 3–1 set display. On 25 June, Spartan Bla delivered a surprise victory over S.P. College Roomi, winning 2–0 with impressive tactical discipline. The match on 26 June between Govt. D.C. Bla and Khelo India A proved to be a closely fought battle, eventually going in favor of D.C. Bla with a 2–1 scoreline. The final quarterfinal, played on 27 June, saw Khelo India B stun St. Joseph School with a straight-sets win of 2–0, marking themselves as serious contenders.
In the semifinals, held on 28 and 29 June respectively, Elite VB Club maintained their dominance by outplaying Spartan Bla 2–0 in a match defined by aggressive net play and superior teamwork. Meanwhile, Khelo India B continued their dream run, edging past Govt. D.C. Bla in a 2–1 thriller, coming back from a set down to clinch the decider in dramatic fashion. The grand final, scheduled for 30 June, will be a highly anticipated showdown between Elite VB Club and Khelo India B. With Elite Club riding on consistent performances and tactical control, and Khelo India B winning hearts with their grit and resilience, the final promises to be a thrilling clash of power and passion.
In the boys’ volleyball tournament, Round 1 opened with Syed Roomi narrowly defeating Nadihal 2–1, while Khelo India showcased their strength with a clinical 2–0 win over Soba on 23 June. On 24 June, Game Changer overcame Amargrah 2–1 in a match that went down to the wire. The 25 June fixture saw Boniyar dominate Striker Punch with a 2–0 win, relying on consistent blocking and serves. On 26 June, Nowpora edged past Boys GDC Bml 2–1 in a tightly contested game. The next day, Desh Ushkara made light work of Uri Star, winning in straight sets. The last Round 1 game, held on 28 June, saw Nowpora Strikers defeat Dammy 2–1 after a hard-fought battle.
The quarterfinals began with Khelo India outclassing Syed Roomi 2–0 on 29 June. Game Changer advanced after defeating Boniyar 2–1 on 30 June. On 1 July, Nowpora continued their consistent form by beating Desh Ushkara 2–0. The final quarterfinal, played on 2 July, saw Nowpora Strikers narrowly edge out Game Changer 2–1 in a match filled with long rallies and crowd eruptions.
The semifinals brought even more excitement. On 3 July, Khelo India managed to hold off a strong challenge from Game Changer, eventually winning 2–1 after an intense final set. On 4 July, Nowpora Strikers shocked their district rivals with a 2–0 sweep in the much-hyped local derby. The final, scheduled for 5 July, will feature Khelo India against Nowpora Strikers in what is being hailed as a battle of the best. While Khelo India brings unmatched strategic coordination and composure, Nowpora Strikers arrive with a wave of momentum, crowd support, and hunger to win. All eyes now turn to this decisive clash that will conclude a thrilling volleyball campaign at Varmul Gindo 2025.
Beyond trophies, Varmul Gindo has rekindled the sporting spirit of the region and redirected youth energy into constructive arenas. According to local youth leader Touseef Raina, the event is a turning point in combating rising drug abuse in the district. He remarked that such platforms are giving the youth “goals beyond survival—goals rooted in discipline and self-respect.” Rubiya Sayeed, who attended the girls’ volleyball semifinals, praised the level of skill and energy, stating, “We’re not just watching a match; we’re witnessing Baramulla’s future leaders in the making.”
Varmul Gindo 2025 is creating far more than just match winners—it is producing role models, building friendships across communities, and redefining Baramulla’s identity through the lens of youth empowerment and healthy competition. As the finals draw near, the excitement is at its peak. Win or lose, each participant walks away stronger, more confident, and more connected to their community.
