The surge in sports enthusiasm in Kashmir is evident among the youth. This newfound passion is set against a backdrop of significant developments in the region’s sporting landscape, Babra Wani reports
A week ago, Amir, a 25-year-old scholar from Anantnag, hurried back to his dormitory, the excitement palpable in his every step. After briefly dropping his bag, he rushed out again. His friends, dressed in hoodies and tracksuits, waited for him outside.
“It is going to rain,” Amir shouted, excitedly. “Let us play cricket—a game in the rain!” A lifelong fan of cricket and football, Amir’s energy was infectious. “Playing these two sports gives me energy and joy,” he said, visibly enthused.
Amir, an only child, has always been passionate about sports. “I have been playing since I was about five,” he said. “I was part of my school team, then my college team, and now I play for the university cricket team.” He believes it is a sport that has “kept me alive” and given him “a sense of accomplishment”.
Amir is not alone. In recent years, more and more young people have turned to sports, with some even pursuing it as a serious career.
A Sports Enthusiast
“What fascinates me most about sports is the team spirit, the passion, and how it clears my mind of everyday stress,” says Nasir, 26, from Kulgam. “When I am playing, I feel truly alive, as if everything beyond the game vanishes.”
Since childhood, Nasir has been involved in sports, actively participating in various tournaments. “I started with cricket when I was young, then moved on to volleyball and football. Over time, I chose football as my main sport,” he explains.
Nasir has competed at the district level in cricket and football and even represented his region in a national chess tournament. “I usually play on the ground near my home,” he says, “but nowadays, I prefer the University of Kashmir playground. It offers more space, more people to play with, and a competitive atmosphere that makes the game even more enjoyable.”
During the recently concluded Legends League Cricket (LLC), Nasir and his friends eagerly bought tickets to watch the matches. “I was thrilled to see the legends of my childhood in action,” he said. “It was mesmerising, and it is a positive sign that international tournaments are happening here in Kashmir. We are all delighted.”
“What I love most about sports is how it unites people, bringing everyone together with a shared purpose,” he said.” It creates a fun, open environment where you can thrive both physically and mentally. It’s healthy competition wrapped in joy and teamwork.”
“The spirit of sport is about perseverance, teamwork, and respect,” Nasir said. “It teaches you to push beyond your limits, to celebrate both victories and defeats and to respect your teammates and opponents. It’s about building character and forging bonds that go beyond the game itself.”
In Jammu and Kashmir, the surge in sports activities has gained remarkable momentum in recent times. From the LLC tournament to the recently held marathon, the passion for the sport is palpably high among the masses.
The Legends League
In the heart of Srinagar, Bakshi Stadium pulsated with energy as thousands of cricket enthusiasts filled the stands for the LLC tournament. Traditionally a football venue, the stadium had transformed to host major cricketing events. While initially upgraded to meet FIFA standards, the renovations ultimately enabled the stadium to accommodate over 30,000 spectators, positioning it as a premier venue for large-scale events like the LLC. Years of anticipation and construction culminated in this spectacular moment.
The tournament, which began on October 9, drew huge crowds eager to witness international cricket stars in action. The matches featured 18 players around the world including Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Chris Gayle, Hashim Amla, and Martin Guptill, among others. These renowned players sparked a wave of excitement across Kashmir, and for many Kashmiris, seeing such talent live was the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
Teams such as India Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Konark Suryas, Manipal Tigers, Southern Superstars, and Urban Risers Hyderabad battled through seven exhilarating matches. The tournament reached its climax on October 16, with the Southern Superstars clinching victory over Konark Suryas Odisha in a dramatic Super Over, leaving the crowd astonished by the intensity of the showdown.
The last international cricket match played in Kashmir was a One Day International (ODI) between India and Australia in September 1986, a match India lost. Before that, the valley hosted its first international game in October 1983, when India faced the West Indies.
Not Cricket Alone
Cricket and football have long been the most beloved sports in Jammu and Kashmir, deeply ingrained in the fabric of the region’s sporting culture. However, in recent years, other disciplines have begun to carve out their own space. Sports like rugby and martial arts—Judo, Taekwondo, Tong-Il Moo-Do, Thang-Ta, Karate, and Sqay—alongside marathons, motorsports, cycling, and other adventurous activities, are rapidly gaining momentum.
The recent marathon has been making headlines and for all the right reasons. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the Kashmir Marathon, marking the first international athletic event held in the valley.
Abdullah was joined by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty at the ceremony, where they signalled the start of a race that saw around 2,000 athletes from across India and abroad take part. The participants included top long-distance runners from India, Asian gold medallists, and some of the finest athletes from Europe and Africa.
The marathon featured two categories—a gruelling 42-kilometre full marathon and a 21-kilometre half-marathon.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, the event aimed to send a clear message to the world: the situation in the valley is improving, and Kashmir is ready to welcome international sporting events once again.
“Kashmir is open to all. We welcome tourists from all parts of the world. If someone is running 42 kilometres, it in itself makes a statement that Kashmir is now peaceful,” said Tourism Director Raja Yaqoob. “We also want to showcase our heritage, our niche products, our handicrafts, and our cuisine to the world. These runners, with millions of followers on social media, will become our brand ambassadors.”
A Footballer by Legacy
Arbaaz Noor, 24, a professional footballer from Srinagar, attributes his love for the sport to his father. “My father was a footballer, and I wanted to live his dreams.”
Primarily a centre-back on the field, Arbaaz embraces versatility. “I play wherever the coach wants me to,” he said. “I started my journey at the Polo Ground Football Club back in 2008. At that time, it was just a fun activity for me. But when I began representing Jammu and Kashmir in junior national championships, I realised I had to take the sport seriously.”
Over time, Arbaaz progressed to the sub-junior national category, playing for renowned football clubs from the erstwhile state, including Real Kashmir and Haideriyaa FC. His ambitions are clear: he wants to become a coach and “serve my home with the best I can do.”
For Arbaaz, the moment he knew he was destined for the sport came during his second junior national championship in Kolkata. His team was playing against another side, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. “There were so many people in the stands that day,” he recalled. “I felt like a real sportsman, and from that moment, I knew I had to be loyal to this path.”
Not Just Men
Traditionally, the sport has been seen as a male-dominated field, but women like Sabiya Nabi have shattered those barriers, not only carving out spaces for themselves but also paving the way for others to follow.
Sabiya Nabi, a trailblazing international skier from Tangmarg, has an inspiring journey of her own. Reflecting on her passion for sport, she said, “I have always been fascinated by how sport pushes you to your limits, both physically and mentally. I love the competition, the thrill, and the way sport brings people together.”
Her love for skiing began at a young age, and over the years, she has devoted herself to training, overcoming numerous challenges, and evolving both physically and mentally through international competition. “Skiing has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. It has been a journey of constantly testing my limits, learning from both victories and setbacks and deepening my love for the sport with every experience.”
Specialising in alpine skiing, Sabiya explained that the sport involves racing down courses marked by gates that test speed, precision, and technique. “I train and compete in various locations around the world,” she said. “Skiing takes me to some of the most challenging and beautiful slopes. Each location presents different conditions, which keeps me sharp and always adapting,” she added.
For Sabiya, the most thrilling aspect of skiing is the rush of adrenaline that comes from racing down a mountain at high speeds, knowing that every turn and movement is critical. The blend of speed, precision, and ever-changing conditions makes each run distinct. “There is something exhilarating about being in nature, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views while pushing myself to the limit,” she said.
Sabiya’s journey began when she was just 12 years old. She undertook basic, intermediate, and advanced level courses, which paved the way for her to compete at district, state, and regional levels. Success came early, and she collected numerous medals. She has competed in eight national tournaments across different states.
In 2018, with her parents’ support, Sabiya reached the international stage, competing in Iran. Recently, at the Khelo India Games, she claimed a gold medal. “This year, in 2024, I participated in one of the FIS races in Kazakhstan.”
Looking ahead, Sabiya’s ambitions are focused on climbing higher in the sport. “My plans include continuing to compete at the highest levels, to improve my rankings and perhaps compete in major events like the World Championships or the Olympics.”
Sabiya is not alone in breaking barriers. Maheen Showkat, a higher secondary school student, is also challenging norms through football. For Maheen, it is the transformative power of sport that captivates her. “I used to be an introvert and found it hard to connect with others. But six years ago, my parents encouraged me to join a local football academy, and it changed everything.”
Through football, Maheen found more than just a game; she discovered a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and self-expression. “The thrill of competition, the rush of adrenaline, and the satisfaction of improving my skills captivated me. As I progressed, I realised that sport was more than physical activity. It built resilience, discipline, and confidence.”
A student in her final year at Mallinson Girls’ School, Maheen’s passion for football has shaped the last six years of her life. “As a dedicated athlete, I have had the privilege of representing my school and participating in various tournaments,” she explained.
Her journey began in the sixth grade when her parents enrolled her in Bemina Football Academy under the guidance of coach Waseem. “At first, I was hesitant, but over time, football became a core part of my life. I spent two valuable years at the academy, honing my skills and building my confidence.” Later, Maheen joined Lonestar Football Club for a year, further developing her game. The next step in her progression was joining JJ7, coached by Nadiya, which she described as “a significant milestone” in her career. “Even with challenges like the disruptions caused by COVID-19, Article 370, and personal setbacks, I never lost sight of my passion.”
For the past three years, Maheen has been playing for Kashmir Arrows, a club that she credits with much of her development. “Our team is managed by coach Aijaz, who has significantly contributed to my growth as a footballer. We practice at different venues—TRC Ground, Polo Ground, and Bakshi Stadium—which keeps our training dynamic and adaptable. Coach Aijaz has played a vital role in refining my skills and elevating my game. While I had the basics before, he polished my abilities, helping me become the player I am today.”
Maheen’s passion for football truly ignited when she represented Jammu and Kashmir in the 2022 Junior National Tournament. “That experience sparked my love for sport, and I knew I was meant to pursue it.” Since then, she has competed in four national tournaments—three sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association and Sports Council, and one through her school. “I am proud of how far I have come, and my parents’ support keeps me motivated to keep striving for excellence in football.”
Golden Era
Interestingly, the years from 2016 to 2018 are regarded as a golden era for the upliftment of sports in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Dr Umer Iqbal former Project Coordinator of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
“During that period, we streamlined associations and improved infrastructure. We identified the presidents and secretaries of these associations, and funding was initiated to establish proper sports facilities,” he explained. “We requested advanced calendars of sports activities from these associations so that necessary arrangements could be made,” said Umer.
“We also introduced community-level sports activities, employing trained and certified coaches who had completed the courses we initiated. Our goal was to ensure that sports reached every corner of the community,” he added.
The former associate noted that, during this time, self-defence programmes were offered to 60,000 women, ranging from twelve years old to women in their thirties.
This era also witnessed the promotion of water sports infrastructure. “We provided international-level sports equipment to support this initiative.”
He remarked that six-star athletes were given jobs during this period to inspire greater participation among the younger generation. “In 2016, we saw participation of over 160,000 people within a few months. The years 2016 and 2017 marked a remarkable increase in the number of athletes and sportspeople.”
