Srinagar, November 2, 2025 – The 69th National School Games in Wushu (Under-17 Category) for boys and girls wrapped up on Saturday with a burst of high-energy action and unyielding discipline at the Indoor Sports Complex, Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal. Hosted seamlessly by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, the event crowned a week of fierce competitions, spotlighting the explosive growth of Wushu as India’s premier martial art for young athletes and affirming Jammu & Kashmir’s prowess as a top-tier national sports venue.In a powerhouse display on home soil, Team Jammu & Kashmir soared to the Overall Championship title, amassing a formidable tally of 8 medals: 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze across boys’ and girls’ divisions. Rajasthan secured the runner-up spot with a strong showing, but it was J&K’s blend of tactical precision and raw talent that stole the show. Over 40 teams from states and union territories nationwide clashed in intense bouts, blending athleticism with cultural flair and underscoring the Directorate’s role in fostering youth excellence.Shining brightest in the girls’ section was J&K’s Jiya Manhas (48 kg), who claimed Gold with a masterclass in composure and technique, earning her the prestigious Best Female Player accolade. Her poise under pressure became the tournament’s defining moment, inspiring peers and spectators alike. Teammates Mohd Arhaan Parray (70 kg), Suryansh Singh (65 kg), and Mohd Haseeb Sheikh (80 kg) mirrored her success in the boys’ categories, each securing Gold through dominant performances that highlighted J&K’s grassroots training rigor.Adding luster to the medal cabinet were Silver wins from Kapish Bharat Rakwal (52 kg, boys) and Rutba Shabir (65 kg, girls), while a Bronze rounded out the contingent’s haul.
These triumphs not only propelled J&K to the top but also echoed the region’s evolving sports ecosystem, bolstered by initiatives from the Directorate that prioritize talent scouting and infrastructure.National highlights included Maharashtra’s Anushka Dattatraya Jain (45 kg, girls) taking Gold, Chandigarh’s Bhaumika (52 kg, girls), Uttar Pradesh’s Sakshi Pushpakar (56 kg, girls), and Rajasthan’s trio of Himani (60 kg), Almas Ali Khan (65 kg), and Riya Mishra (70 kg), all girls’ category victors. In boys’ events, Delhi’s Gulshan Kumar (45 kg) and Nikhil (48 kg), Uttar Pradesh’s Shaurya (52 kg – crowned Best Male Player for his flair), Mayank Roza (56 kg), and Anshul Bhati (60 kg), plus Rajasthan’s Anshuman (75 kg), etched their names in gold.The closing ceremony pulsed with camaraderie as athletes, coaches, managers, and officials gathered for accolades, with all convenors and officials honored via mementos and certificates for their tireless efforts. Logistics at Ganderbal’s Government College of Physical Education were lauded for their efficiency, providing top-notch stays and facilities that enhanced the experience for every contingent.Organizing committee members and officials hailed the Directorate’s visionary approach, crediting it for elevating J&K’s profile in hosting mega-events. “This championship isn’t just about medals; it’s a launchpad for tomorrow’s champions, blending discipline with dreams,” noted a senior official. The Directorate congratulated all victors, especially its home stars, and vowed to sustain momentum with upcoming nationals in Taekwondo and Table Tennis, solidifying J&K’s commitment to “Youth Power in Motion.”As the event concludes amid the valley’s autumnal glow, it reinforces J&K’s narrative of resilience through sports – a fitting prelude to winter spectacles like the Kashmir Marathon. With live streams on social media amplifying reach, the games leave a legacy of unity and aspiration.
