Jammu, April 18, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Thang-Ta team has brought pride to the Union Territory by clinching one gold and two silver medals at the 68th National School Games held in Imphal, Manipur, from April 7 to 12, 2025. The team’s stellar performance in the U-19 boys and girls Thang-Ta events secured a runners-up position, showcasing the region’s growing prowess in the traditional martial art.
Hammad Bashir from Pulwama district won the gold medal, while Ajaz Ahmad Sofi from Kupwara and Murieza Iqbal Lone from Pulwama each claimed silver medals. The Department of Youth Services and Sports celebrated the achievement at its Directorate office in Jammu, with officials lauding the athletes’ dedication. Commissioner Secretary YSS, Sarmad Hafeez, and Director General Rajinder Singh Tara congratulated the medalists and support staff, noting that J&K is on track to achieve a record medal haul this NSG season, with 52 medals already secured across various sports.
Tara highlighted the participation of 1,800 J&K athletes in the NSG, with 400 more expected to compete, positioning the Union Territory as an emerging sports hub. The Thang-Ta success adds to J&K’s impressive NSG tally, including 16 medals in fencing, 15 in Wushu, and others in judo, taekwondo, and soft tennis. The team’s performance in Manipur, a stronghold of Thang-Ta, underscores the impact of YSS’s training programs and Khelo India initiatives.
The victory was celebrated widely, with local media and community leaders praising the athletes for elevating J&K’s sporting profile. The YSS expressed optimism about continued success in upcoming NSG events, including roller skating, football, and Gatka.
