SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) has achieved a record milestone in the financial year 2024-25, with over 27 lakh youth participating in various sports activities across the Union Territory, officials said on Thursday.
A JKSC official told the Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that athletes participated in diverse sporting events at district, state, national, and international levels. The council remains committed to grassroots sports development and inclusive events, he added.
Highlighting international achievements, the official noted the bronze medal wins by para-athletes Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar in Para Archery at the 17th Summer Paralympics in Paris.
The official stated that initiatives such as “My Youth, My Pride,” “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,” and “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” among others, contributed to the participation of 27.10 lakh youth in sports events held across Panchayat, Block, District, UT, and national levels by December 2024.
Key Achievements in 2024-25
One major highlight of the year was the Legends League Cricket tournament held at M.A. Stadium in Jammu and Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar from October 3-16, 2024. The tournament featured six teams, including cricket legends Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, and the Pathan brothers.
The J&K Senior Football team reached the quarterfinals of the 38th National Games Santosh Trophy. In the 78th National Football Championship (North Zone) held in Amritsar, the team remained unbeaten in the group stage, defeating Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
The Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg hosted 800 athletes from 20 states and Union Territories, showcasing J&K’s potential as a winter sports destination.
JKSC organised six national-level and one international-level competition in disciplines such as Cricket, Badminton, Pencak Silat, Softball, and Tenni-Koit.
The 36th Sub-Junior National Tenni-Koit Championship, held in Jammu, featured 21 teams with over 330 participants, including 16 athletes from J&K. Similarly, two major Pencak Silat events in Srinagar recorded the participation of over 215 athletes.
“The J&K Sports Council is dedicated to promoting sports across the region, empowering youth from rural and urban areas, and fostering a culture of sportsmanship and healthy competition,” the official said.
With record-breaking participation and significant achievements, the JKSC is paving the way for a brighter future in sports in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)
