SOME SCINTILLATING MEMENTS OF J&K SPORTS IN 2024

Striving hard to carve a space on the country's sports map, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed some exceptional performances from ace sportspersons in the year 2024. As usual, the players of some prominent medal winning sports disciplines continued their brilliance at the National and International scene.

Rajesh Dhar sums up the sports scenario in Jammu and Kashmir in the year that passed by.

Para Archers Sheetal, Rakesh script history

India's Para Archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar created history by clinching the bronze medal in the mixed compound open archery event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.The duo secured the victory in a nail-biting match against Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina, winning by a single point with a scoreline of 156-155.The Indian archers hit four perfect 10s in the final set to come from behind and secure the medal. The Indian pair also equalled the Paralympic record of 156 in the process. Sheetal Devi, at 17, became India's youngest Paralympic medalist in history. She was the only female armless archer at Paris 2024. For 39-year-old Rakesh Kumar, his first Paralympic medal comes after years of consistency at the top level. He is a gold medallist at the Para World Championship and Asian Para Games.

Deaf Judoka Rakesh Singh excels

Rakesh Singh, a deaf judoka from Jammu, made the region proud by winning a bronze medal in the Judo category at the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games-2024 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rakesh, an alumnus of Samaj Kalyan Kendra's School for Hearing Handicapped, was the only judoka selected from India to compete in these prestigious games, which took place from December 1 to December 8, 2024. He was part of a six-member Indian team that included two men and four women, participating under the banner of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf. Rakesh previously represented India at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, where he secured 7th place in the individual category. He trained under Chief Judo Coach Suraj Bhan Singh at the J&K Sports Council's MA Stadium in Jammu.

J&K Gymnasts do it again

Jammu and Kashmir's promising and rising star in rhythmic gymnastics, Muskan Rana has brought laurels to the UT by clinching five medals in the Khelo India Youth Games 2024 held in Chennai. Muskan has bagged one gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the national championship making J&K proud with her exceptional sports talent. Moreover, Manya ofJ&K participated in FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup at Baku (Azarbaijan); Muskan Rana & Manya participated in 15th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian

Championships, Tashkent (Uzbekistan); and Ruddrakash Khanna participated in FIG Aerobic Gymnastics Suzuki World Cup at Yokohama Japan and Asian Junior Aerobic Gymnastics Championships at Hanoi, Vietnam; Vaibhavi Sharma participated in 20th Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian

Championships, Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Meanwhile, in a significant move to boost gymnastics in Jammu & Kashmir, the Gymnastics Association of J&K has sent three junior gymnasts namely Ruddrakash Khanna, Divyanshi Mahant and Riya Sharma-for advanced training at the Ho Chi Minh Gymnastics Academy in Vietnam, known as the hub of aerobic gymnastics in Asia. Kiran Wattal, President of the Gymnastics Association of J&K, stated that this initiative is aimed to improve the gymnasts' performance and better prepare them for upcoming international competitions. Krupali Singh accompanied the RG Indian team for Seniors Asian Gymnastics Championships at Tashkent from 2-4 May, 2024. S P Singh accompanied the Indian team as Manager for FIG Aerobic Gymnastics World Cup at Japan. Kiran Wattal accompanied the Indian Gymnastics team as Head of Delegation twice in Asian RG Championships at Tashkent & FIG AER World Championships held at Pesaro Italy in 2024.

DYSS scripts history, JKSC hosts 16 Nationals

The Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K created history by hosting 68th National School Games in four sports disciplines on the trot in a month-long event, involving over 4000 athletes and officials across India, while J&K Sports Council hosted 16 National events during the year 2024. This year the medal tally of J&K has increased in leaps and bounds and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a sporting hub. The Minister for Sports, Satish Sharma; Secretary to Government Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez; Director General Youth Services and Sports, Rajinder Singh Tara and Secretary J&K Sports Council, Ms Nuzhat Gul did all their best to take sports to new heights.

Dilpreet wins Gold for India

Dilpreet Singh brought glory to India with a Gold medal at the 4th Asian Roll Ball Championship (2024) held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Goa. Earlier, Dilpreet has the distinction of winning first Silver medal in Sub-Junior Nationals (2009), first Silver medal in Junior Nationals (2011), first SGFI U19 Gold (2015), first Senior Nationals Silver (2017), first Senior Nationals Bronze (2019) and first All India University Gold (2018).

Soham becomes J&K's 1st ever International Master

Ace Chess player of J&K became the 1st ever International Master in Abu Dhabi Masters Chess Tournament. He scored in total 5 International Master norms and became the 125th Indian to attain this prestigious title. Crossed 2430 (P.S. J&K's highest ever) on the rating list and entered the top 80 players of India. Won his 7th consecutive State Championship. Represented India in more than 6 international tournaments and competed at par with Grand Masters. Soham now has etched his name in history as the first chess player from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve the prestigious International Master (IM) title. The 20-year-old crossed the significant Elo rating threshold of 2400 at the Abu Dhabi Masters 2024, cementing his place among the elite in Indian chess. Soham's journey to the IM title has been marked by consistent progress and determination. He achieved his first IM norm at the Abu Dhabi Masters in 2022. The following year, he secured his second norm at the Hanoi GM Round Robin in Vietnam. His third and final norm came at the Odisha GM International in 2024. From being an Elo 2000-rated player in 2018 to surpassing the 2400 mark, Soham's rapid rise over six years is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

A former under-18 national champion, Soham has shown exceptional dedication to his craft. He has been trained by prominent coaches such as Vivek Bharti from Jammu and Sumit Grover.

LG meets Chandeep Singh

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha met S. Chandeep Singh, International Para Taekwondo Medallist and his family at their residence in Channi Rama, Jammu.The Lt Governor said the remarkable achievement of Chandeep Singh at National and International sporting events is a great source of inspiration for the youth. He also assured the Para Athlete all support from the UT administration.

Fencers sparkle

J&K fencers representing India made the nation proud by securing 1 silver and 3 bronze medals at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in New Zealand. Harshit Kohli won a silver medal in the Sabre team event; Shreya Gupta earned a bronze medal in the Sabre individual event; Chhavi Sharma took home a bronze medal in the Sabre team event while Sufyan Waheed Sohil won a bronze medal in the Epee team event. Shreya, in particular has been the outstanding performer for J&K from last many seasons.

Rajan attends Paris Olympics

Former Divisional Sports Officer and well-known face in Boxing fraternity, Rajan Sharma attended the Paris Olympics as Technical Observer. He was nominated by Boxing Federation of India for his expertise, experience and outstanding contribution in the field of boxing.

Lucky, Aamir go to Jaipur Pink Panthers

Two star Kabaddi players of Jammu and Kashmir namely Lucky Sharma and Aamir Hamid Wani were bought by Jaipur Pink Panthers for the prestigious Pro Kabaddi League. Lucky Sharma, hailing from Jammu, was auctioned for 13 lakhs, while Aamir Wani from Kashmir, was bought for 9 lakhs. Lucky has been a top performer in the Pro Kabaddi League before as well. The selection of this duo in the prestigious League portrays a picture of the functioning of the Amateur Kabaddi Association of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kalra contributes in sports promotion

Ace sports administrator and former cricketer Ranjeet Kalra was appointed as Advisor for sports and youth affairs to the University of Ladakh. Kalra was instrumental in organising the IDCA's T20 Deaf Indian Premier League at Jammu for specially abled cricketers. Kalra also had the rare distinction of being appointed as 'UT Level Icon' by the office of Chief Election Officer of J&K under the aegis of Election Commission of India with the aim to create voter awareness and to increase voter percentage in the 2024 J&K assembly elections.

In recognition for his outstanding contribution towards sports Kalra in December became the recipient of Prof Chaman Lal Gupta 'Khel Ratna Award' The award was conferred by Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Sinha.

Handoo appointed Chief Coach of India

For brilliant results and contribution to the game, Dhronacharya Awardee Kuldeep Handoo was appointed Chief Wushu Coach of India for the next term. The ace sportsperson and Sports Administrator has also been nominated for the prestigious Police Presidents medal in recognition of his invaluable contribution in the field of sports. Handoo has been instrumental in making Wushu Association of J&K and Wushu Association of India flourish.

Saqlain adjudged best setter at Int'l scene

Representing India, J&K's talented Volleyball Player Saqlain Tariq was adjudged as the best setter at the World Armed Forces Championship held in Iran. India got Silver medal in the event. Moreover, Payal Sharma became the first woman of Jammu and Kashmir who attended the Indian under 18 years Volleyball Coaching Camp at Bangalore. Mohd Tariq was the Coach of under-18 India team in Asian Volleyball Championship at Bahrain 2024.

Deepak goes to Chennai Singhams

Deepak Dogra who has the distinction of representing J&K in Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, was sold by Chennai Singhams as an icon player for 6 lakhs for Season-2 of Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). Deepak was part of Srinagar Ke Veer in Season-1. Deepak performed very well throughout the last season.

Atul accompanies Indian Chess team

Atul Kumar Gupta was nominated as Head of Delegation of Indian Chess team for their participation in World Cadet Chess Championship at Montesilvano, Italy in Nov 2024. He was fully sponsored by the sports authority of India. Indian team got overall 3rd place among 83 countries. One U_8 player Divit Reddy Adulla won gold and one player Satvik swain won Silver Medal. He also attended the world championship match among other administrators between India's D Gukesh and Chinese player Ding Liren at Singapore to cheer up and boost the Morale of D Gukesk who ultimately became world's youngest Chess Champion ever.

Ishaan, Ahtisham, Anya bag historic Gold

Ishaan Parihar clinched historic Gold in Taekwondo at 68th National School Games held at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh, while Ahtisham bagged 1st ever Gold in 68th National School Games in the discipline of Weightlifting and Anya Rakwal claimed 1st ever Bronze in the discipline Weightlifting in 68th National School Games.

Rasikh, Samad, Yudhvir, Umran get IPL contracts

Jammu and Kashmir's pace sensation Rasikh Salam was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 6 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. 24 year old Salam entered the pool at base price of Rs 30 lakh, RCB and Sunrisers Hyderbad engaged in some intense bidding, after Delhi Capitals decided to use their right-to-match (RTM), Bangalore set to script Salam's price at Rs 6 crore. He was picked by the Mumbai Indians in the 2019 auction, then joined the Kolkata Knight Riders and then Delhi Capitals in 2024. Abdul Samad will play for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, bought for INR 4.20 crore. Samad has consistently demonstrated his ability to play big shots. The Sunrisers Hyderabad gave him his first IPL contract after his exceptional domestic performances for Jammu and Kashmir. Umran Malik was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The fast bowler was bought for his base price of INR 75 lakhs after going unsold in the first round. He made his IPL debut in 2022 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In 2022, he was the fourth-highest wicket taker in the season with 22 wickets from 14 matches.He has struggled with injuries in the last two seasons. He has been working on adding more variations to his bowling, including slower balls and yorkers. He is eager to turn things around in the upcoming season and help KKR win their second successive title. Speedster Yudhvir Singh Charak was bought by Rajasthan Royals for 35 lakhs. He represented Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2023.

Arushi blossoms

Chess prodigy Arushi Kotwal bagged Gold Medal in Commonwealth Rapid Chess Championship-2024 held in Srilanka. Arushi claimed the Bronze medal in Commonwealth Blitz Chess Championship-2024 held at Srilanka, Gold medal in North Zone Inter University Chess Championship held at Budhal Khand University Jhansi, Bronze medal in All India Inter University Chess Championship held at Marwadi University Rajkot Gujarat.

J&K hosts Legends League Cricket

Legends League Cricket was conducted smoothly and successfully for the second consecutive season in both the regions of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The event provided an opportunity for young cricketers to watch their heroes perform. Former Indian Test cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina and a big number of legendary foreign cricketers were seen in action. J&K Sports Council coordinated with the organisers and made the event a grand success.

J&K enters historic QFs in Santosh Trophy

Showing extraordinary soccer skills and good temperament, Jammu and Kashmir footballers made it to the historic quarter-finals in the prestigious Santosh Trophy and will lock horns with strong Kerala in the last eight stage. By making it to the Quarter-finals, Jammu and Kashmir has qualified for the National Games 2025-26 to be held at Meghalaya. Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council provided the team fantastic facilities and assistance to flourish at the national scene.

J&K Sr Women team makes it to QFs

Scripting history, Jammu and Kashmir Senior Women's team sealed berth in the Quarter-Finals of the prestigious BCCI's Senior Women's One-Day Trophy. Led by skipper Jasia Akhter and headed by the Head Coach, Latika Kumari Sangwan, the Jammu and Kashmir team defeated the most formidable teams of the country to make it into the last eight stage. The Administrators and the Senior Women Selectors deserve appreciation for this historic performance of the team.