Srinagar, August 24, 2026 -The 7th Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Kudo Championship 2026 wrapped up on a triumphant note today at the Indoor Stadium, Indoor Sports Complex, Polo Ground, Srinagar, bringing together more than 500 young athletes from across the Union Territory for a celebration of discipline, strength, and sportsmanship under the theme “One Youth. One Kashmir. One Future.”
Organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Kudo Association, the multi-day championship drew competitors from various districts, all vying for top honours in this fast-growing martial art discipline. Kudo — a hybrid combat sport blending elements of karate, judo, and mixed martial arts — has been steadily gaining a foothold in the Kashmir Valley, with the Association actively working to nurture talent at the grassroots level through district and UT-level tournaments held throughout the year.
The closing ceremony was marked by an atmosphere of pride and celebration, graced by Mr. Satish Chandra, Chairman of the J&K RERA Department, who attended as Chief Guest. He was joined by Mr. Bilal Ahmed Parray, Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Development Foundation, and Dr. Hilal Ahmed Rather, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), who attended as Guests of Honour. Mr. Nazir Maqdoomi, Chairman of DSKA, along with numerous coaches, sports teachers, officials, parents, and members of the wider Kudo fraternity, were also present to cheer on the young athletes.
Throughout the championship, athletes showcased not just their technical skill but also the values of dedication and fair play that organisers say lie at the heart of the sport. When the dust settled and the final scores were tallied, District Srinagar claimed the overall team title, finishing in first place. District Budgam secured the runner-up position, while District Anantnag rounded out the podium in third place.
Officials and dignitaries lauded the athletes for their performances, noting that the championship reflected the increasing depth of martial arts talent emerging from every corner of the Union Territory. In its closing remarks, the Jammu & Kashmir Kudo Association extended heartfelt thanks to the participating districts, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and supporting organisations whose collective efforts made the event a resounding success, congratulating the entire J&K Kudo family for their hard work and commitment.
The championship arrives at a moment of broader momentum for youth sport in Jammu & Kashmir. Earlier this year, a 50-member J&K contingent returned from the 4th Kudo National Championship Cup in Pune with 24 medals — five gold, eight silver, and eleven bronze — underscoring how local tournaments like the UT Championship are feeding into stronger performances on the national stage. District-level competitions, including the Srinagar Kudo Championship held in April at Birla Open Minds International School, have similarly played a role in widening the sport’s base among schoolchildren and young adults across the Valley.
The 7th J&K UT Kudo Championship also fits into a larger calendar of sporting initiatives rolled out by the region’s sports administration this year, many of them framed around engaging youth constructively and building a robust sporting culture in the Union Territory. For a region where sport has increasingly become a platform for youth empowerment, the Kudo Championship’s closing scenes — of young athletes, coaches, and families gathered together in celebration — offered a fitting embodiment of its guiding message: one youth, one Kashmir, and one shared future built through sport.
The championship also provided an important platform for recognizing the dedication of coaches, trainers, officials and families who support athletes throughout their sporting journey. Their continued encouragement helps young players remain focused on training and competition while developing confidence and discipline. Such events can play an important role in identifying promising talent and encouraging athletes to pursue higher levels of competition. The successful conclusion of the championship in Srinagar reflects the region’s continued commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive and opportunity-driven sports environment for its youth.