Srinagar, October 23, 2025 – The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), a pioneering NGO dedicated to rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities, has organised a groundbreaking inter-district wheelchair basketball tournament for both men and women at its Shafaqat Rehabilitation Center in Bemina Bypass, Srinagar. This inclusive sporting extravaganza, featuring teams from across Kashmir’s districts such as Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Anantnag, aims to foster physical fitness, camaraderie, and self-confidence among over 100 participants, marking a significant step in promoting adaptive sports in Jammu & Kashmir.
The two-day event, flagged off by VMS President Dr. Bashir Lone alongside local dignitaries from the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI), underscores the organization’s long-standing commitment to transforming lives through sports. “Wheelchair basketball isn’t just a game; it’s a lifeline for resilience and hope in our community. By bringing together athletes from diverse districts, we’re breaking barriers and celebrating the indomitable spirit of our players,” Dr. Lone remarked during the opening ceremony, highlighting VMS’s role in nurturing talents like national stars Insha Bashir and Ishrat Akther, who have represented India internationally.The tournament features intense matches in separate men’s and women’s categories, adhering to FIBA-adapted rules with specialized wheelchairs, emphasizing strategy, speed, and teamwork.
Early highlights included a thrilling women’s semifinal where Budgam’s squad edged out Baramulla 45-42, showcasing the rapid growth of women’s participation since VMS formed its first team in 2018. Men’s divisions saw fierce competition, with Anantnag’s team advancing after a comeback victory, inspiring spectators and young aspirants alike.This initiative builds on VMS’s legacy of sports events, including mega gatherings in 2021 and selection camps that propelled Kashmiri athletes to silver medals at international tournaments. Amid Kashmir’s rise as a sports hub—evident in recent spectacles like the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) 2025 and Lidderwat Trail Run—the tournament aligns with government efforts under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to enhance accessibility and quotas for disabled athletes. Experts from the J&K Sports Council praised the event for addressing infrastructural gaps, such as inaccessible venues, while calling for sustained funding to elevate wheelchair basketball to Paralympic levels.
As medals are awarded on the final day, the tournament not only promotes inclusivity and rehabilitation but also spotlights untold stories of triumph, urging greater societal integration for persons with disabilities in the valley. VMS invites community support to amplify such platforms, ensuring sports remain a beacon of empowerment for all.
