Women in J&K sports are inching towards glory, taking a leap of success each new day

SRINAGAR MAY 20: As we leap towards a more inclusive and diverse society, it is important to make sure that women are given equal opportunities in all fields. Sports is no exception. Through academies and centers, we can encourage women to pursue their passion for sports and provide the necessary resources for them to reach their full potential.

In the past few years the female athletes of J&K have made incredible achievements. From winning medals at national and international levels to breaking records and barriers, J&K women have truly paved the way with the continued support it has received from administration and not only has this achievement been celebrated too.

Our calendar of activities should prioritize the inclusion of women in all areas, including sports, with the right resources and support, women can achieve great things, this was said by Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary while attending the sports function held in the Dal lake to commemorate the G-20 Summit in J&K.

Dr. Mehta said that we are committed to providing opportunities for all, especially women, to excel in sports and our sincere efforts are commensurating with the amazing progress that our women achievers have made, and we will continue to build on that momentum.

Dr. Mehta also emphasized the inclusion of Golden Age vertical in the activity calendar of the J&K Sports Council for the healthier and fitter J&K.

Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Youth Services and Sports said that we will continue to support and encourage women in sports, and celebrate their achievements with pride.

Earlier a colourful demonstration of skills in the disciplines of gymnastics, kayaking and yoga was made by the young athletes of J&K Sports Council which attracted a huge gathering of sports enthusiasts to the venue, who cheered for the demonstrators  while they were showcasing their skills,  never witnessed before.

Secretary Sports Council Nuzhat Gull said that with the kind of progress both in terms of activities and infrastructure that J&K has made in a few years, J&K players presumed to participants earlier have emerged as strong contenders

Meanwhile, the activities to commemorate G20 week in J&K were held elsewhere as well.

In an enthralling cricket match played at TRC Cricket field Srinagar, teams of High Court and DC Srinagar locked horns with each other. Both teams put up a commendable show but it was DC Srinagar XI  in the end prevailed over their opponents by 5 wickets, with 7 bowlings remaining to be bowled.

Though Highcourt XI put up a strong show scoring 138 runs in 15 overs for the loss of 5 wickets with Uzair  putting up a stellar performance of 37 runs backed by Junaid’s power surge at the end with a knock of 26 runs off of 9 balls, hitting 2 sixes and a four.

Abid was the lone star performer for DC, taking 2 wickets in 3 overs, and then blazing an impressive 39 runs off of 29 balls while at the crease. Basharat and Abid also contributed with 21 and 23 runs respectively.

For Highcourt, Adnan and Ishfaq were the pick of the bowlers taking 2 and 1 wickets respectively but it was not enough to stop DC XI from scaling the opponent’s score with 7 balls remaining.

In North Kashmir,  Sheri Kashmir Sports Stadium of Bandipore witnessed a day filled with exhilarating sports activities. In the T-10 cricket matches, Eidgah Arin Cricket Club defeated Panzigam Cricket Club Bandipora by 6 wickets, while Watapora Cricket Club emerged victorious against Quail Cricket Club by 4 wickets. The matches garnered a large number of spectators who appreciated the teams’ performances.

Besides cricket, in the 5th Sir Mohammad Iqbal Memorial Football Championship organised at the same venue Sopore FC defeated City FC Bandipore with scoreline reading 2-0. A huge number of spectators enjoyed the match, witnessing impressive displays from both teams. Yasir from Blue FC Sopore was named the Man of the Match for his lead role.

The J&K Sports Council’s Grassroot Football School held a special session today to commemorate AFC Grassroot Day and Week, a significant event celebrated across Asia. Eager and enthusiastic youngsters from various parts of the city joined the festivities. Led by renowned football figure Ahmad Ishfaq and other coaches, the session witnessed the active participation of approximately 250 boys and girls.

South Kashmir also remained busy with sports activities with district Shopian hosting 7th District Wushu Championship at Batpora Stadium in Shopian. The event was organized by the District Wushu Association of Shopian in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council in which more than 450 players from various schools and clubs drawn across the district participated.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was ADC Shopian, Yar Ali Khan while the Guest of Honour was Mohammad Mushtaq, CEO Shopian. The chief guest while speaking on the occasion said that the event is a testament to the growing popularity and importance of Wushu in the region.

The Khelo India Center Shopian won the coveted title by displaying exceptional talent and skill throughout the championship while Al-Mustafa School Shopian secured the position of the runner-up and, Shah-e-Hamdan School Shopian and Sun Shine School Shopian bagged the 2nd and 3rd runner-up positions, respectively.

Meanwhile J&K first international cricket Star Parveez Rasool also started a coaching and training cricket camp in district Anantnag where players from other districts of South Kashmir including Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama are also part of the camp.

In Jammu division’s district Poonch the Phase-III of My Youth My Pride is in full swing. The Tug of War competition was held at Govt. High School Khari Karmara which was declared open by its headmistress Anita Sudan.

Speaking to the desk, Ashok Singh Sports Officer Jammu said that J&K Sports Council will organize more events in different sports across the district for which Nirdosh Kumar, IC Manager Sports Stadium Poonch has been nominated as a nodal officer.