Usha supports Sqay martial arts event in Yousmarg; Strengthens focus on indigenous sports

Over 300 watched on as athletes showcased the combat and artistic disciplines of Sqay
Usha International, one of India’s most respected consumer durables brands, supported the Sqay martial arts event in Yousmarg, Budgam, reinforcing its commitment to promoting indigenous sports and encouraging community participation in active living.

Sqay, an indigenous armed, and unarmed combat style martial art using a bargula (shield) and tora (leather-covered bamboo sword), from Jammu & Kashmir, is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural and warrior traditions. Evolving from ancient self-defense techniques, it has evolved into a structured modern sport, which is now recognized at national and international platforms. Supporting this initiative aligns with Usha Play’s larger vision of nurturing grassroots talent, preserving indigenous sporting heritage, and creating accessible platforms for young athletes across regions.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations, Usha International, said, “Sqay is an ancient indigenous martial art form that has emerged from Jammu & Kashmir, carrying forward a legacy that is both cultural and deeply rooted in the region’s history where practitioners used it to protect their lands from invaders. Sqay (Knowledge of war), is recognised as a modern sport by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It is encouraging to see young athletes embracing it with such vigour and representing not just their state but also the country on international platforms. Through Usha Play, we partner with the organisers to support such indigenous sports that nurture talent, strengthen local ecosystems, and help bring these unique disciplines into the mainstream.”
The event, held under the theme “Aao Kashmir, Sqay Ke Sang, Seekho, Khelo Har Ek Rang,” brought together over 300 attendees.
Following the competitions across Combat/Fight (Loba) and Artistic events Khawanky (group performances) & Aero Sqay (individual performances), winners across categories were felicitated during a prize distribution ceremony adjudicated by a distinguished panel of judges. The individual honours among the boys in the Junior category (< 18) saw Riyaan Rouf secure second place, while Aamir Amin Mir claimed the top spot with an outstanding and technically refined performance. Among the girls in the same category, Suzain Zahoor earned second position, while Maleeha took home the top honours with a confident and impressive display. In the boys’ group performances, the Cadet category (< 11) saw Shopian Sqay Association finish in third place, followed by Ganderbal Sqay Association in second, while Budgam Sqay Association emerged victorious with a powerful and well-coordinated performance. In both the Senior (> 18) and Junior (< 18) categories, Shopian Sqay Association secured second place, while Ganderbal Sqay Association delivered another remarkable performance to claim the top honours.
The girls’ group performances were equally compelling. In the Cadet category (< 11), Shopian Sqay Association secured third place, followed by Ganderbal Sqay Association in second, while Budgam Sqay Association claimed first place with an energetic and spirited display. The Sub Junior categories (< 14) witnessed impressive performances, with Srinagar Sqay Association finishing second and Budgam Sqay Association delivering a dynamic and winning performance that earned them the top position.
Speaking about the event, Ms Disha Pandith, Organizing Secretary, said, “Sqay represents the spirit, resilience, and cultural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir. It is encouraging to see growing interest among young athletes who are keen to learn and carry this tradition forward. Support from organisations like Usha Play plays a crucial role in this journey, as it helps create platforms for talent to thrive while bringing greater visibility to indigenous sports like Sqay.”
The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries including, Mr Nithin Sharma – CO 53 RR, Pakherpora, Mr Alok Kumar – Commanding officer, SSB, Nagam Chadoora, Mr Balbir Singh – Assistant Director Kashmir, Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Firdous Baba, Chief, Kashmir Sewa Sangh, CEO – Yousmarg Development Authority, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori – district officer, Youth Services & Sports, Mr Mandeep Singh – ARM, Integrated Business, Mr Shabir Ahmad Wani – Ex. Assistant Director, Youth Services & Sports, OC – CRPF, Yousmarg, Headmaster – PM Shri Govt. High School Paharthan, Headmaster – PM Shri Govt. High School Arizal Budgam, Dr Murtuza – Director, Paras Hospital, Srinagar, Dr Mohsin Bin Mushtaq Shah – Internal Medicine, Paras Hospital, Srinagar, Mr Ghazanfer Ali Butt – Territory Manager, Integrated Business, Mr Manzoor Ahmad Bhat – Distributor Srinagar, All Division, Dr Basharat – Ahmad Mughal, CRPF, 181 BN.
Usha is deeply invested in revitalizing indigenous/ancient Indian disciplines that bring communities together and foster active, joyful, and healthy living. Beyond indigenous sports, Usha supports a wide range of inclusive sporting initiatives across the country, including its association with the Mumbai Indians franchise, Ultimate Flying Disc, Golf, cricket for the specially abled, athletics and martial arts for the visually challenged, as well as regional sports such as Mallakhamb, Siat Khnam, Yoga, Thang-Ta, Saz-Loung, Satoliya/Pithu, Kalarippayattu, and more.
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