Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Nazia Bibi, a 21-year-old from Nagrota, Jammu, has made history by becoming the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for the Indian Women’s Kho Kho team for the World Cup. The prestigious tournament, set to begin on January 13, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, will feature over 20 nations from around the World.
Nazia, the daughter of Zulekha Bibi and Sabar Ali, a shopkeeper, belongs to a tribal community. Her journey into the world of Kho Kho began in her school days, but it was only in the last seven years that she started playing professionally. She is currently pursuing a BA degree in her 5th semester at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Govt College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu.
Her inspiration to pursue sports came from her cousins, who are serving in the Indian Army. Watching them succeed in their athletic endeavors ignited her passion to follow a similar path. “Since my childhood, I have seen my cousins play sports, and that sparked my interest in pursuing a career in sports,” she shared.
After years of hard work and determination, Nazia was selected for the Indian Kho Kho team, making her the only player from Jammu and Kashmir chosen for the prestigious World Cup. Before her selection, four players from Jammu and Kashmir were invited to the national camp, including two male and two female athletes. Nazia was the sole female player chosen to represent India on the global stage.
Her family is incredibly proud of her achievements. “My entire family is proud of me, and they are praying for the success of our team in the World Cup,” Nazia said.
Dr. Baljinder Kour, President of the J&K State Kho Kho Association, and General Secretary Amrinder Pal Singh congratulated Nazia, recognizing her dedication and hard work as an inspiration to others in the region.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
