Srinagar, August 29, 2025 – On this National Sports Day, observed annually on August 29 to honor the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, India reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sports as a unifying force. The day salutes the indomitable spirit of the nation, where every field transforms into a battlefield of dreams, and every athlete embodies the pride of 1.4 billion people. From Dhyan Chand’s golden legacy in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics to the contemporary champions pushing boundaries, India’s roar in the global sporting arena continues to grow louder. In Jammu & Kashmir, the focus this year is on the inspiring participation of young girls and boys in Cricket, Football, and Basketball, alongside the remarkable journeys of para-athletes like wheelchair user Ishrat Bashir and archery sensation Sheetal Devi, who uses her legs to compete at the highest levels. The recent Pulwama Day and Night cricket match further exemplifies the region’s leap forward in sports development, fostering resilience and inclusivity amid challenges.National Sports Day serves as a reminder of sports’ role in nation-building, promoting physical fitness, mental toughness, and social harmony. In the Kashmir Valley, where youth engagement in sports has surged post-conflict, events like these highlight how games are bridging divides and empowering the next generation. “Sports is not just about winning medals; it’s about igniting dreams and building character,” said a local sports enthusiast, echoing the sentiment of the day.
National Sports Day serves as a reminder of sports’ role in nation-building, promoting physical fitness, mental toughness, and social harmony. In the Kashmir Valley, where youth engagement in sports has surged post-conflict, events like these highlight how games are bridging divides and empowering the next generation. “Sports is not just about winning medals; it’s about igniting dreams and building character,” said a local sports enthusiast, echoing the sentiment of the day.
Youth Participation in Cricket, Football, and Basketball: A New Dawn in J&K
Young boys and girls across Jammu & Kashmir are increasingly taking to popular sports like Cricket, Football, and Basketball, driven by government initiatives such as the Khelo India program and local academies. In districts like Srinagar, Anantnag, and Pulwama, community centers and school grounds buzz with activity, with girls’ teams breaking stereotypes through rigorous training camps. Football leagues in the Valley have seen a 40% rise in female participation over the last year, while basketball courts in urban areas are hotspots for inter-school tournaments. These activities not only promote health but also instill discipline and teamwork, preparing youth for national and international competitions. Experts note that such grassroots involvement is crucial for talent scouting and preventing social issues among the youth.
Inspiring Para-Athletes: Ishrat Bashir on Wheelchair and Sheetal Devi in Archery
Amid these celebrations, the stories of para-athletes shine brightly, embodying the true essence of perseverance. Ishrat Bashir, a wheelchair-bound athlete from Jammu & Kashmir, has become a beacon of hope for differently-abled youth. Overcoming personal tragedies, including the loss of her family in a 2019 terror attack, Ishrat excels in wheelchair basketball and athletics, representing India at para-sports events. Her participation in local tournaments inspires young girls to pursue sports fearlessly, proving that barriers are merely illusions. “On the wheelchair, I found my wings,” Ishrat shared in a recent interview, highlighting how adaptive sports have transformed her life.Equally iconic is Sheetal Devi, the 12-year-old para-archer from Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, who competes without arms due to a congenital condition called phocomelia. Using her legs and feet with astonishing precision, Sheetal clinched a gold medal in the compound archery event at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, becoming the first Indian woman to win gold in that category. Born without upper limbs, she trains under the guidance of her father and coach Sarvesh Kumar, turning her disability into a superpower. Sheetal’s achievements have earned her the Arjuna Award, India’s highest sporting honor for para-athletes, and she continues to motivate handicapped children through workshops. Her story underscores the importance of inclusive sports infrastructure in J&K, where adaptive equipment is being introduced in more academies.
Pulwama Day and Night Cricket Match: A Milestone in Regional Sports Revival
The recent Pulwama Day and Night cricket match, held under floodlights on August 25, 2025, marked a significant stride in the region’s sports calendar. Organized by the District Youth Services and Sports Department in collaboration with local clubs, the event featured teams from Pulwama and neighboring districts, drawing thousands of spectators to the historic Pulwama Cricket Stadium. This floodlit spectacle not only showcased thrilling T20 action but also promoted night cricket as a safe, engaging format for youth, especially in areas recovering from past unrest. The match, won by the host Pulwama team by 15 runs, highlighted emerging talents and was dedicated to National Sports Day, emphasizing cricket’s role in community healing. Authorities hailed it as a “leap forward,” with plans for more such events to boost infrastructure and female involvement in the sport.As India celebrates National Sports Day, these narratives from Jammu & Kashmir illustrate how sports transcends physical limitations and geographical challenges, fueling the nation’s dreams. With continued support from initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India, the future of Indian sports looks brighter, ensuring that every young aspirant, able-bodied or otherwise, can chase glory.
