Kashmiri Sports Helps These Youth Connect, Find Purpose
Kashmiri Sports Helps These Youth Connect, Find Purpose: Youth in Jammu and Kashmir have taken to water sports, which was once considered an alien idea by the locals, because state officials have now made it a job option. A J&K government official said 80 water sports players were personally selected for different tribal government jobs.
Thanks to the PM package, which has created world-class centers and provided premium equipment to the youths and kids of Jammu Kashmir, today Jammu Kashmir is leading in the country when it comes to water sports.
Jammu’s first women’s water sports coach, Bilquis Mir, is an international kayaking player.
Saying that the cause of this sport was taken on priority some years ago, Mir confirmed that post-independence, water resources in Jammu and Kashmir were a natural draw for kayaking.
Jammu Kashmir UT is a leading performer of water sports in India. In the last four years, water sports have become more popular and successful in Jammu Kashmir, with 100+ medals won, which primarily include 50% representation of female players. Jammu Kashmir now selects approximately 80 players a year through competitions to conduct government services.
Experts believe that J&K has the potential to become one of the best water sports destinations. Recently, India hosted a national level rowing championship, with 23 states participating and equipment provided by world-renowned companies.
Director Bilyq recalls how much she had to struggle in the past, but she is able to achieve what was previously impossible for her. Today, women around the world are taking up the sport of football because of this advancement.
In the coming decades, national level water sports camps and championships in Kashmir and Jammu will be organized where top players from all over the country will be able to participate and compete.
With a water sports center coming up at the Ranjit-Sagar lake, J&K is poised to become a hub for water sports. The state aims to make students from Kashmir competitive internationally, including qualify for Asian and Olympics competitions.
In the wake of increasing water sport popularity, government is increasing their focus on developing water sports infrastructure both at Wular Lake and nearby Manasbal Lake.