BY: Javeed Ahmad Bhat
A sport defines the pulse of nation, and inside a healthy body resides the healthy mind. For achieving both the essence of sports is very much. Kashmir Valley and also the Jammu region lacked sports activity since decades and there was absence of sports culture. But, with abrogation of article 370 the sports culture has been given new direction and lease of life.
A large number of sports person from Jammu and Kashmir have shined on national and international stage after the abrogation of article 370.
Jammu and Kashmir Government after abrogation of article 370 has fully understood the importance of sports and made it clear that Sports are a crucial part of a student’s or Youth growth and development. They help in the development of mental health and physical fitness of the body. Through participation in sports and games, a youth gains various skills, experience and confidence that are helpful for developing their personality.
It is matter of pride that recently we learnt that the trainee of Sports Council’s Gymnastics Academy Jammu, Bavleen has been selected to represent India, while In-charge of Gymnastics Academy Jammu, Gymnastics coach Krupali Singh (Arjuna Awardee) has been nominated as coach, in the Commonwealth Games- 2022, being held at Birmingham (UK) from July 29 to August 8.
It is a very pride moment for J&K that out of 210 athletes cleared by Govt of India, wherein Bavleen is the only participant from the country to contend in ‘Rhythmic Gymnastics’ event, besides three male and three female Gymnasts shall represent country in Men and Women Artistic Gymnastics events.
Sometime back, 15-year-old Sadia Tariq from Kashmir valley bagged gold medal in the final bout of the ongoing Moscow Wushu Stars Championship being held in Moscow, Russia.
Sadia achieved the feat by defeating her Russian opponent in the final bout of the ongoing championship.
Congratulating Sadia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to Sadia Tariq on winning the Gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Stars.
On the other hand, Umran Malik from Jammu has also in recent times shined big on the world stage of cricket proudly representing the country.
Sane voices of Jammu and Kashmir have in this regard appreciated Umran Malik’s recent good performance in IPL and his much talked about debut for India team against Ireland and England and expressed hope that the fastest bowling sensation would improve his bowling speed and play for India for many years to come.
It is worth mentioning here that even Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently admired the achievements of Jammu and Kashmir sports person.
Our youngsters are doing amazingly well in every sport discipline today, ready to reach for the sky and spread the country’s glory in the world. I am truly proud to see their confidence, dreams and dedication to transform the country into a sporting powerhouse. Congratulations and best wishes to the players, coaches and team officials,” the Lt Governor said.
The shining of the sports person from Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370 on both national and global stage is a very promising for our peace and prosperity, with every day Jammu and Kashmir Government is giving signals that sports is its top priority.
It is a music to our ears that just few days back a19-year-old girl from Sopore has brought laurels to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir by winning a silver medal in the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation’s (WEKAF) World Arnis Invitational Championship-2022 at Phillipines.
Ronak Reyaz Baba was among the 13 other participants across India who took part in the International Championship of Martial Arts which was held in the Philippines from July 18- July 24, 2022. She was representing India in the women’s category.
Around 36 countries including Brazil, USA, China, Korea and Philippines participated in the championship.
Water sports is also achieving zenith in Kashmir, since number of water bodies are here.
The Kashmir water sports department headed by the international Kayaking and canoeing athlete Bilquis Mir had worked round the clock with government of Jammu Kashmir to introduce rowing competition in Kashmir and with support of sports council of India and Jammu Kashmir government the prestigious national championship was held recently.
The shinning of Jammu and Kashmir sportsperson post abrogation of article 370 shows the great achievements of Central and UT Government.
