Kashmir, October 12,2025-In the shadow of the Himalayas, Bhaderwah’s dusty akharas echoed with the roars of a crowd and the thuds of unyielding takedowns on October 12, 2025. Over 150 young wrestlers, including a trailblazing contingent of 60 girls from Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, stormed the mats in the “Shaheed-e-Azad: Daughters of the Valley Dangal.” Organized by the Bhaderwah Development Authority alongside the J&K Sports Council, this two-day spectacle honored the nation’s martyrs while fueling the #KheloIndia and #FitIndiaMovement flames—proving that resilience isn’t just for the ring; it’s for rewriting rules.The event opened with a poignant tribute: floral wreaths for freedom fighters and fallen heroes, fused with folk dances and patriotic anthems that stirred the soul as much as the sun-baked ground. Age groups from under-14 to under-19 battled in pehlwani’s classic fury—weight classes from 36kg to 65kg, where moves like the dhaak and dhobi pachad flipped foes and fates alike. Stars emerged from the dust: 16-year-old Aisha Bhat from Bhaderwah snagged gold in the under-17 48kg division with a takedown so sharp it sliced through stereotypes, while 14-year-old twins Rukhsana and Rubina from Gandoh claimed silvers in junior freestyle, their synchronised spirit a nod to unbreakable sisterhood.Event coordinator Rajesh Kumar, a grizzled akhara veteran, summed it up: “This isn’t just about pinning opponents; it’s about pinning down barriers for our daughters.” Under #KheloIndia’s banner, the dangal dished out more than medals—free coaching clinics, nutritional kits, and scholarships unearthed talent from remote corners like Doda and Kishtwar, steering youth toward discipline over distractions.
Local wrestling buff Aarif Khadif called it a “game-changer,” adding, “Our girls are proving they’re as fierce as the Himalayan winds—this is their moment to shine.”Off the mats, the vibe pulsed with empowerment: stalls hawking organic wrestler fuel, yoga flows for #FitIndia fans, and booths tackling women’s safety in sports. As medals clinked and families waved tricolors, whispers of an annual encore rippled—next up, kabaddi and athletics to widen the arena. In Bhaderwah’s embrace, Indian-style wrestling isn’t just a sport; it’s a revolution—fierce, female, and forged in the fire of the valley.
