SRINAGAR, FEB 14: In a momentous year for sports, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a powerhouse of athletic talent, boasting victories at national and international levels and captivating audiences with a diverse array of competitions.
From the grand spectacle of the Legends League Cricket matches to historic wins on the global stage, 2023 has left an indelible mark on the J&K’s sporting landscape.
The year saw an unprecedented surge in youth participation across various sports disciplines, with a staggering 53 lakh youths taking part in events held at different levels – from panchayat to national platforms. Initiatives like ‘My Youth My Pride’, ‘Har Din Khel Har Ek Ke Liye Khel’, ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahaotsav’ played a pivotal role in galvanizing the youth towards sports.
Notably, over 30,000 sports persons proudly represented Jammu and Kashmir in national and zonal competitions, excelling in sports ranging from arm wrestling to archery, and from bodybuilding to basketball.
This surge in participation translated into a shower of medals for the union territory. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir kicked off its sports calendar with a resounding triumph at the 3rd Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, clinching 26 gold, 25 silver, and 25 bronze medals and topping the medal tally.
In addition to the Winter Games, seven national-level competitions in various disciplines were hosted in J&K in 2023, showcasing the region’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent across diverse fields.
The availability of top-notch indoor and outdoor facilities enabled J&K athletes to shine on national and international stages. Throughout the financial year, the region’s sports stars clinched an impressive haul of 36 gold, 34 silver, and 47 bronze medals at the national level and six gold, three silver, and four bronze medals at the international level.
Noteworthy achievements include Jammu’s pioneering hosting of Legends League Cricket matches, the commencement of the Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2023-24, and the historic gold medal triumph by Rakesh and Sarita at the Para Archery World Championship.
Individual athletes have also left their mark on the global stage, with Bhanu Partap Singh, Abhishek Jamwal, Jiya, Arif Khan, Aman Singh, and Priyanshu securing medals in prestigious international competitions, showcasing the region’s rich sporting talent and potential. As the year draws to a close, Jammu and Kashmir stands poised to continue its ascent as a sporting powerhouse, with a bright future ahead for its budding athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
