SRINAGAR: The 22nd Senior National Soft Tennis Championship 2025 was inaugurated here on Sunday with an impressive opening ceremony at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex. 

The championship, organized by the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, features participation from players and coaches representing more than 25 states and union territories. 

Advocate Saif-ud-Din Bhat, MLA Khansahib, attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Raju Parmar, former Member of Parliament and Advisor to the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI), was the guest of honour. 

The event commenced with a March Past by the participating teams and a performance by the J&K Police Band, followed by a cultural programme showcasing the rich heritage of Jammu & Kashmir. 

In his address, Bhat commended the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association for hosting the prestigious national event in a professional manner and urged the players to uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. 

Guest of Honour Raju Parmar expressed gratitude to the association and the J&K Sports Council for their commitment to promoting soft tennis. Other dignitaries present included Shakuntala J. Khodadhra, Secretary General, ASTFI; Raja Ghulam Nabi Wani, Chairman, J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association; and Shakir Ashraf, General Secretary of the association. 

During the ceremony, mementoes were presented to the medal winners and participants of the recent 9th Asian Soft Tennis Championship for their outstanding performances. Narinder Pal Singh, Joint Secretary, ASTFI, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of all officials and volunteers. 

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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