Baramulla, September 2, 2025 – In a remarkable achievement that has filled the sports fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir with pride, Nasir Ajaz Sofi, a talented young spiker from Baramulla district, has been selected for the prestigious India Volleyball Camp organized by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). The camp, aimed at shortlisting the best young volleyball players for the upcoming International Volleyball Championship in China, marks another milestone in Nasir’s rising career as one of J&K’s brightest volleyball prospects.Nasir, known for his exceptional spiking skills and unwavering dedication, earned his spot among the 23 probables selected from a competitive pool of 192 talented players representing 27 affiliate units across the country. His selection comes on the heels of an outstanding performance in the 67th National School Games, where he played a pivotal role in helping J&K’s U-14 Boys Volleyball team qualify for the national level. This latest honor follows a series of successes, including his contribution to J&K’s historic gold medal win at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Bihar earlier in May 2025, where the team defeated Uttar Pradesh in a thrilling final. Nasir was also part of the U-16 national camp in Bangalore in July 2025, ahead of the 2nd Asian Under-16 Boys Volleyball Championship in Thailand, and the national camp for the CAVA Volleyball Championship in Uzbekistan in May.
Hailing from Baramulla, Nasir’s journey in volleyball has been one of perseverance and excellence. Training rigorously at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, he has honed his skills alongside senior players under the guidance of coaches like Naresh Kumar and Azhar Aziz Raina. The coaches have praised his potential, stating, “Nasir’s talent and dedication make him a strong contender to excel on the international stage.” Earlier accolades include his role in the KIYG gold medal squad, where he trained with teammates from across J&K, including Sahib Kalear, Akash Manhas, and Rehan Parvez, under the Volleyball Association of J&K (VAJK).Director General of Youth Services and Sports (DG-YSS), Anuradha Gupta, extended her congratulations to Nasir, saying, “With your extraordinary skill and exceptional talent, you have made the entire Union Territory proud. You have set a benchmark for young sportspersons and will serve as an inspiration for them. Good luck for future endeavours.” The Volleyball Association of J&K, led by Patron Raj Daluja and President Sidharth Daluja, also lauded the achievement, crediting the district associations of Baramulla and Poonch for nurturing such talent. Officials like CEO Kuldip Magotra and General Secretary V.K. Magotra expressed optimism about J&K’s continued success in national and international competitions.Nasir’s selection underscores the growing prowess of volleyball in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has produced several standout athletes despite challenges.
His story resonates with that of other young talents from the area, like Ishrat Akhtar from Baramulla, who recently competed in the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship. As the camp progresses, Nasir aims to secure a berth for the China championship, potentially representing India on the global stage. The sporting community in J&K wishes him the best, viewing this as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring athletes.
