Jammu-Based Startup GR8 Sports India Named Top Startup of the Year
Jammu – Pampore-based GR8 Sports India Private Limited has been honored as the ‘Top Startup of the Year’ by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir at the Annual J&K Startup Mela held in Jammu on January 29, 2026.
The prestigious award was presented by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the event organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) under the Industries and Commerce Department. The ceremony was attended by key industry representatives and stakeholders from the Union Territory’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
The founders of GR8 Sports India, Fawzul-Kabir and M. Niaz-ul-Kabir, proudly accepted the award, which included a Certificate of Excellence and financial assistance to support the startup’s future growth.
Specializing in the sports manufacturing sector, GR8 Sports India is renowned for its production of high-quality Kashmir Willow cricket bats. Notably, the company is the sole cricket bat brand from the Kashmir Valley to be certified and approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Its superior products have been prominently featured at various international tournaments, exhibitions, and trade fairs.
The selection process for the award involved a thorough evaluation by a government-appointed committee, which assessed startups across Jammu and Kashmir based on criteria such as innovation, scalability, sustainability, governance standards, industry linkages, and overall contribution to the local economy.
This latest accolade follows GR8 Sports India’s previous success at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, where it clinched the coveted Startup Maharathi title after competing with startups from all over the country. The recent recognition underscores the growing presence of startups from Jammu and Kashmir in India’s dynamic manufacturing and innovation landscape.
