Srinagar, August 18, 2025 – Jahangir Ahmad, a specially-abled student from VMS Shafqat Special School in Jammu & Kashmir, has etched his name in history as the first athlete from the region to win medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, held in Turin, Italy, from March 8-15. Competing in the Snowshoeing events, Jahangir secured two silver medals and a bronze, showcasing his extraordinary determination and talent. His remarkable performance in the 50m (M4) and 25m Snowshoeing events, with recorded times of 14.56 seconds and 10.44 seconds respectively, has brought immense pride to Jammu & Kashmir and India.Jahangir’s journey to the global stage was celebrated with a grand felicitation ceremony at the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS) in Bemina, Srinagar. The event was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Mir Mohammad Maqbool, President and Founder of VMS, alongside Mr. Javid Ahmad from the J&K Sports Council, Er. Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, Director of VMS, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone, and Mohammad Ayoub, Administrator of VMS. Jahangir’s parents, students, media, and other dignitaries also attended, lauding his resilience and sporting prowess.
During the ceremony, Jahangir was honored with a traditional Kashmiri shawl and a memento, recognizing his historic achievement. Prof. Maqbool expressed gratitude to the J&K Sports Council and Shafqat Special School staff for their support, while Mohammad Ayoub acknowledged the contributions of Mr. Ubiad, a volunteer from Special Olympics Bharat Kashmir.Adding to his accolades, Jahangir was among approximately 5,000 special guests invited to witness India’s Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2025. This prestigious invitation, extended to honor his contribution to India’s stellar performance at the Special Olympics, underscored the nation’s pride in his achievements. India’s contingent at the Turin Games excelled, securing a total of 33 medals—8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze—highlighting the country’s growing prowess in inclusive sports.Jahangir’s success is a testament to his perseverance, overcoming significant health challenges from childhood, including seizures and multiple eye surgeries, with the unwavering support of his family and the VMS Shafqat Special School.
His mother’s steadfast belief in his potential and the guidance of his coaches transformed him into a celebrated athlete, inspiring countless others. As Jahangir himself stated, “Sports have freed my soul, sports know no boundaries and disability,” reflecting the transformative power of sports in his life.The Voluntary Medicare Society remains committed to empowering specially-abled athletes, ensuring they receive the training and encouragement needed to excel globally. Jahangir’s journey from Srinagar to Turin and Delhi serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with determination and support, no obstacle is insurmountable.
