Empowering Female Athletes in Jammu and Kashmir
Sopore, Jan 12: The sports scene in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a significant transformation, with young female athletes taking center stage and achieving remarkable success on national platforms. Gone are the days when women athletes were sidelined; today, they are making their mark and standing shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts across the country.
Over the years, sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir have reached new heights, spanning a wide range of disciplines from cricket to various indoor and outdoor sports. Particularly noteworthy is the rise of young women athletes who are proudly representing India alongside their fellow sportspersons.
In a recent development, a group of cyclists from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district showcased their talent at a national event, signaling the end of the era where female athletes lagged behind.
According to a sports official, cyclists Ulfat Mushtaq, Mehak Mushtaq, Sofia Hilal, Sobiya Manzoor, and Hoor-i-ein Lone delivered outstanding performances at the Khelo India Asmita Women’s League held in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Ulfat Mushtaq secured the 10th position in the 30 km Time Trial and finished 11th in the 60 km Mass Start. Mehak Mushtaq excelled with a 12th place in the 30 km Time Trial and showcased resilience by finishing 13th in the 60 km Mass Start despite a crash. Sofia Hilal and Sobiya Manzoor achieved 7th and 8th positions respectively, while Hoor-i-ein Lone added to the team’s pride with a 16th-place finish.
This event marked the historic first-ever participation of a Jammu & Kashmir women’s cycling team in the Khelo India Asmita League, with all riders proudly representing District Baramulla.
The sports official highlighted the positive impact of sports activities in the Union Territory, where athletes are not only excelling but also inspiring others. The sports department is committed to providing necessary facilities and platforms for athletes to excel further and represent Kashmir at national and international levels.
Infrastructure Boost for Sports in Jammu and Kashmir
In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is taking steps to enhance sports infrastructure across the Union Territory. A recent meeting between J&K’s Sports Minister, Satish Sharma, and key national sports officials focused on plans to construct new cricket stadiums in the region.
Minister Sharma discussed detailed plans with Rohan Jaitley, Chairman of the BCCI Infrastructure Committee and President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association, emphasizing the need for world-class cricketing infrastructure to nurture young players and promote a strong sports culture. The proposed stadiums are expected to offer modern training facilities and position J&K as a potential host for national and international cricket events.
Minister Sharma also highlighted the diverse potential of Jammu and Kashmir in sectors like start-ups, handicrafts, agri-based industries, tourism, and IT-enabled services. The government is committed to creating a supportive ecosystem for youth-led enterprises and fostering inclusive growth across all regions.
Forums like the Viksit Bharat Dialogue play a crucial role in shaping the vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, providing a national platform for youth engagement and innovation. Minister Sharma commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting a vibrant sports culture and entrepreneurial spirit. (KNS)
