Sports

Sports

Jammu and Kashmir Take 325-Run Lead After Aquib Nabi’s Five-For Dismantles Bengal in Ranji Semifinal

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J&K Sports

Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy first semifinal after bowling out Bengal for 328 in 97.1 overs on Day 2. With a commanding 325-run lead, J&K are now within touching distance of a historic place in the Ranji Trophy final.

The disciplined bowling attack, led by Aquib Nabi, dismantled Bengal’s batting lineup despite a brilliant century from Sudip Gharami. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Aquib Nabi’s Five-Wicket Haul Puts J&K in Control

Aquib Nabi once again proved why he has been J&K’s standout performer this season. The pacer delivered a match-defining spell, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 87 in 26 overs.

Nabi struck at crucial intervals, removing well-set batters and ensuring Bengal never built sustained momentum. His ability to maintain pressure and break partnerships tilted the game heavily in Jammu and Kashmir’s favor.

Supporting him brilliantly was Sunil Kumar, who returned with 3 for 41, keeping things tight and denying Bengal easy scoring opportunities. The bowling unit operated with discipline, accuracy, and patience — a hallmark of J&K’s campaign this season.

Sudip Gharami’s Fighting Century in Vain

Resuming Day 2 with hope, Bengal relied heavily on Sudip Gharami to steady the innings. The right-hander produced a gritty knock of 146 off 246 balls, smashing 21 boundaries in a patient and technically sound innings.

However, he found little consistent support from the other end.

  • Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 49 but failed to convert his start into a big innings.
  • Shahbaz Ahmed added 42 runs.
  • Sumanta Gupta contributed a brisk 39.

Despite these contributions, Bengal’s middle and lower order collapsed under relentless pressure from the J&K bowlers.

Tactical Discipline Makes the Difference

Jammu and Kashmir’s success was built on disciplined bowling lines and smart field placements. They avoided unnecessary aggression, instead focusing on consistency and building pressure over long spells.

By denying Bengal scoring opportunities and forcing errors, J&K prevented any late surge that could have reduced the deficit.

The strategy worked perfectly, allowing them to establish a massive 325-run lead.

Historic Ranji Trophy Final Within Reach

With momentum firmly on their side, Jammu and Kashmir now stand on the brink of history. A strong performance in the remaining days could see them seal a spot in the Ranji Trophy final — a landmark achievement for the team.

The key going forward will be maintaining composure, capitalizing on the advantage, and avoiding complacency.

Match Summary – Day 2 Highlights

  • Bengal all out: 328 (97.1 overs)
  • Sudip Gharami: 146 (246 balls)
  • Aquib Nabi: 5/87
  • Sunil Kumar: 3/41
  • J&K lead: 325 runs

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Sports

JKSA Urges Kashmiri Students to Exercise Caution Ahead of India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash

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Sports Policy on Pakistan

Ahead of the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday urged Kashmiri students across the country to view the match in the right spirit and refrain from posting on social media that could land them in trouble.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, emphasised that students should treat the match as just another sporting event and avoid any actions that might lead to unnecessary complications. “We have urged Kashmiri students studying across the country to remain focused on their education and careers, which is the primary reason they have travelled far from their home state of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Association also reminded students of the immense sacrifices made by their families; fathers who have worked tirelessly, brothers who have taken loans, sisters who have sold jewellery, and mothers who pray relentlessly for their well-being.

Khuehami asserted that in the past, India-Pakistan cricket matches have led to dozens of students being detained, arrested, summoned, or booked over their social media activity or involvement in heated debates. Such incidents have resulted in serious academic and legal consequences, adversely affecting their education and future prospects.

He emphasised that students must view sports as a game and not let emotions dictate their actions. “We strongly advise students to stay away from social media discussions, debates, or any form of online engagement that could escalate into controversy or indiscipline within their institutions. They should enjoy the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship and avoid unnecessary conflicts,” the Association said.

Khuehami also highlighted the political undertones and strong emotions associated with an India-Pakistan match, cautioning students to remain vigilant. “Students must understand that openly cheering for any particular team may place them in a vulnerable position. It is crucial for them to exercise caution and prioritise their safety on campuses and in their accommodations, keeping in mind the well-being of their families back home,” he advised.

He reiterated that sports should promote unity, peace, and camaraderie rather than division and hostility. “Games and sports extend beyond mere entertainment; they teach us brotherhood, discipline, and harmony. Let this match be a celebration of sportsmanship, not a cause for discord,” he added.

The Association further noted that earlier this year, the terror attack in Pahalgam brought two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of escalation, highlighting how fragile peace remains. Despite Kashmiris coming out overwhelmingly in support of the victims and strongly condemning terrorism, there were several incidents across mainland India where students from Jammu and Kashmir faced difficulties and backlash.

In this context, the Association urged all students from Jammu and Kashmir studying across the country to maintain harmony and peace during the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match.

“There is significant public sentiment surrounding this match in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent escalation of tensions. This contest will not be viewed merely as a sporting event but will inevitably carry political, emotional, and nationalistic overtones. We therefore reiterat.

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Gulmarg to Host Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Snow Events from February 23–26

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Khelo India

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya announced the dates for the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, which will be held from February 23 to 26 in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. This will be the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.

The first leg of KIWG 2026, featuring ice sports, was successfully held in Ladakh from January 20 to 26, while Gulmarg will host the snow sports competitions. The Indian Army will defend its overall championship title in Jammu & Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The Gulmarg leg is coming at the back of the Winter Olympics, and this is the perfect time to host the Khelo India Winter Games. We had a very successful first phase in Leh (Ladakh) and surely, we will see the same excitement in Jammu & Kashmir as athletes will once again battle with nature and challenging conditions,” said Mandaviya as per a SAI Media press release

“Every season of the Khelo India Winter Games has seen exciting performances and rising competition. In Leh, the addition of figure skating enhanced the competitive intensity, and in Gulmarg, we are expecting some impressive timings on the Kongdoori slopes,” he added.

Until the introduction of the Khelo India Winter Games, winter sports in India had very limited visibility, awareness, or structured competition. Ice and snow disciplines largely remained niche pursuits with negligible public engagement and sporadic athlete participation at the international level.

The Khelo India Winter Games have fundamentally transformed India’s winter sports ecosystem by creating a national competitive platform for both ice sports and snow sports, significantly expanding participation, performance standards, and public awareness. What was once a marginal sporting segment is now steadily evolving into a structured talent pipeline.

This transformation is already reflecting in international outcomes. Indian winter athletes are beginning to register podium finishes and competitive performances abroad, signalling the emergence of a new generation of talent.

Notably, Indian figure skater Tara Prasad has delivered medal-winning performances at international competitions, while the Indian women’s ice hockey team won a historic bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup, marking India’s first-ever podium finish in an international ice hockey championship. The team also recorded landmark victories during the tournament, underlining the rapid progress being made in ice sports at the global level.

These achievements highlight how Khelo India Winter Games are laying the foundational bedrock for sustained international participation, moving India beyond an earlier phase where participation in the Winter Olympics was often limited to one or no athletes. With regular domestic competition, exposure to high-pressure environments, and increasing depth across disciplines, this trajectory is expected to strengthen further in the coming years.

The timing of the Gulmarg leg of KIWG 2026 is also strategically significant, as it follows soon after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026, where India is represented by alpine skier Arif Khan and cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup, helping to carry forward global momentum, enthusiasm, and competitive energy into the domestic winter sports calendar, and ensuring continuity in athlete motivation, public interest, and national focus on winter sports development.

Gulmarg will feature four medal disciplines, namely Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding, with around 400 athletes expected to compete, and Alpine Skiing drawing the highest participation.

At the conclusion of the KIWG 2025 season, the Indian Army topped the team standings with 18 medals, while Himachal Pradesh finished second, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. At the end of the KIWG 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana led the medal tally with four gold medals, all won by its figure and ice skaters, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

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Sports

Jammu & Kashmir Make History, Reach Ranji Trophy Semi-Finals After Beating Madhya Pradesh

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J&K Sports

Jammu & Kashmir created history in Indian domestic cricket on Monday by qualifying for the Ranji Trophy semi-finals for the first time ever. The historic achievement came after a brilliant victory over Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 quarterfinal at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

The memorable win was powered by an outstanding bowling performance from fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who played a key role throughout the match. Nabi was simply unplayable, troubling the Madhya Pradesh batters with pace, accuracy and movement. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In the first innings, Auqib Nabi took an impressive seven wickets, breaking the backbone of Madhya Pradesh’s batting line-up. He followed it up with another excellent spell in the second innings, picking up five more wickets. His 12-wicket haul ensured Madhya Pradesh remained under constant pressure and never gained control of the match.

Thanks to this dominant bowling display, Jammu & Kashmir secured a famous victory and booked their place in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. The win also ended years of disappointment for the team, who had previously fallen short in knockout matches.

This landmark success marks a defining moment for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir and is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers from the region.

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J&K Government Announces Republic Day Awards 2026 for Nine Outstanding Sportspersons

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Awards 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced the Republic Day Awards 2026 for nine outstanding sportspersons, recognising their remarkable achievements and valuable contribution to sports.

According to an official government order, the awards have been approved under the category Award for Outstanding Sports Persons. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹51,000 along with a citation. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The award recipients include Aquib Nabi Dar and Brijesh Sharma for Cricket, Rakesh Singh for Deaf Judo, Vishal Khajuria for Judo, Saleem Kumar for Wushu, Ravees Ahmad for Pencak Silat, Sudip Khanna for Gymnastics, Mohammad Iqbal as Athlete and Coach, and Aiyza Naz Chib for Skating.

The award ceremony will be held today on Republic Day 2026. During the event, the sportspersons will be honoured for bringing pride to the Union Territory and for inspiring the next generation of young athletes.

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Education / Sports

IUST Wins Five Silver Medals in Table Tennis at Jammu University Tournament

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IUST Wins

In a State Level Tournament organised by the University of Jammu, the contingent from Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) won five silver medals in the Table Tennis category.

The tournament saw participation from nineteen institutions across the North Zone, making the achievement a proud moment for the university. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Congratulating the students, Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of IUST, said the university gives great importance to extra-curricular activities. He added that IUST officially recognises and credits such activities, which helps encourage student participation.

He further said that the university has prepared a sports action plan aimed at developing standard sports infrastructure. The plan also includes engaging nationally and internationally recognised sportspersons as Professors of Practice.

I/C Sports, Mursheed Ahmad Khan, also congratulated the players and praised the efforts of the contingent led by Hilal Ahmad Rather, Assistant Director Sports.

The achievement highlights IUST’s growing focus on sports and overall student development.

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Mohammad Qais Chosen to Represent India at Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship 2026

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Mohammad Qais Chosen

Mohammad Qais has been selected to represent India at the 2nd Asian Jr. Soft Tennis Championship, which will take place next month.

This is a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, and an even bigger achievement for Mohammad Qais at such a young age. His selection shows his hard work, discipline, and growing talent in the sport.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Mohammad Qais is already a strong name in soft tennis. He is a three-time gold medallist at the District Srinagar level and has also won three gold medals at the UT level. Earlier, he proudly represented Jammu and Kashmir at the national level as well.

His journey is an inspiration for young athletes across the region, proving that dedication and passion can lead to international recognition.

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Kashmir’s Young Women Cyclists Shine Nationally as Sports Culture Grows Stronger in Jammu and Kashmir

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Women Cyclists

In the changing sports landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, young women athletes are no longer standing on the sidelines. They are now leading from the front, creating success stories and matching performances with athletes from across India.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Over the past few years, sports activities in the Union Territory — from cricket to indoor and outdoor games — have grown steadily. Young female athletes, in particular, are now proudly representing India at national competitions.

Baramulla Cyclists Impress at National Event

In a recent achievement, a group of young women cyclists from Baramulla district in north Kashmir delivered strong performances at a national-level event, proving that the gap between male and female athletes is rapidly disappearing.

The cyclists took part in the Khelo India Asmita Women’s League, held in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

According to a sports official, the team included:

  • Ulfat Mushtaq
  • Mehak Mushtaq
  • Sofia Hilal
  • Sobiya Manzoor
  • Hoor-i-ein Lone

Individual Performances

  • Ulfat Mushtaq secured 10th position in the 30 km Time Trial and 11th position in the 60 km Mass Start.
  • Mehak Mushtaq finished 12th in the 30 km Time Trial and showed great determination by securing 13th place in the 60 km Mass Start despite suffering a crash.
  • Sofia Hilal and Sobiya Manzoor delivered standout performances, finishing 7th and 8th, respectively.
  • Hoor-i-ein Lone added to the team’s success with a 16th-place finish.

Historic First for J&K Women’s Cycling

Officials said this was the first-ever participation of a Jammu and Kashmir women’s cycling team in the Khelo India Asmita League. All the riders proudly represented District Baramulla, making the achievement even more special.

Sports officials described this progress as a very positive sign, showing how organised sports are shaping young lives and inspiring others across the Union Territory.

Government Support for Athletes

The sports department, officials said, is working to:

  • Create better sports facilities
  • Provide more competitive platforms
  • Help athletes represent Kashmir at national and international levels

Authorities believe that continued investment and exposure will help more young athletes succeed.

Plans for New Sports Infrastructure

In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a major push to strengthen sports infrastructure across the Union Territory.

This followed a high-level meeting between J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma and Rohan Jaitley, Chairman of the BCCI Infrastructure Committee and President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association.

The discussions focused on building new cricket stadiums in Jammu and Kashmir to support young talent and promote a strong sports culture.

Vision Beyond Sports

Minister Sharma highlighted the immense sporting talent in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for world-class facilities. He said the proposed stadiums could also allow the region to host national and international cricket matches.

He further pointed out J&K’s potential in areas such as:

  • Start-ups
  • Handicrafts
  • Tourism
  • IT-enabled services
  • Agri-based industries

Referring to youth-focused platforms like the Viksit Bharat Dialogue, Sharma said such initiatives are vital for achieving an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, ensuring inclusive growth across all regions.

The achievements of young women cyclists from Baramulla, combined with growing government support, reflect a new and confident chapter for sports in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Sports

J&K Athletes Shine at National Dragon Boat Championship, Win Overall Second Place

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National Dragon

Chief spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq, on Monday congratulated athletes from Jammu and Kashmir for their excellent performance at the 12th National Dragon Boat Championship, where the Union Territory won the Overall Second Runners-Up Trophy.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

A team of 30 athletes, including 22 girls and 8 boys, brought pride to the region by winning a total of 30 medals — 2 gold, 10 silver and 18 bronze. Tanvir Sadiq praised the athletes, their coaches and support staff for their hard work and dedication, saying their achievement is a moment of great pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Omar Abdullah–led government remains fully committed to promoting sports and youth development across the Union Territory. He added that continuous efforts are being made to improve sports infrastructure, increase access to training facilities, and provide strong institutional support so athletes can perform well at national and international levels.

Congratulating all the medal winners and their mentors, Tanvir Sadiq wished the team continued success. He said he was confident that athletes from Jammu and Kashmir would keep making the region proud on the national stage.

He further said that such achievements clearly show the huge sporting potential of the youth in the region. “These young athletes have not only earned national recognition but have also inspired a new generation to take up sports with passion and commitment,” he added.

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Sports

Bangladesh Ask ICC to Move T20 World Cup 2026 Matches Outside India Over Security Concerns

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World Cup 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to venues outside India. The request has been made due to what the BCB described as serious “safety and security” concerns for Bangladeshi players and officials.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In an official press release, the BCB said the Bangladesh national team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current situation. The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to the board, an emergency meeting of the BCB’s Board of Directors was held to review developments over the last 24 hours. After detailed discussions and based on advice from the Bangladesh government, the board decided that travelling to India would not be safe for the team at this time.

“The Board expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” the statement said. It added that the decision was taken keeping in mind the safety and well-being of players, team officials, board members, and other stakeholders.

The BCB confirmed that it has officially requested the ICC, as the event’s governing authority, to relocate all of Bangladesh’s matches to venues outside India. The board said it is now waiting for an urgent response from the ICC.

These developments come soon after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced that they had released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

In a media advisory, KKR said the move was made following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which regulates the IPL. The advisory stated that the franchise was directed to release Mustafizur due to recent developments.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later confirmed that the board had asked KKR to release the Bangladesh player. He said the BCCI would allow the franchise to bring in a replacement if needed.

Mustafizur’s inclusion in the KKR squad had earlier triggered political debate in India, especially amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He was bought by the three-time IPL champions for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL auction held in December last year.

The situation has now raised broader questions about regional tensions, player safety, and how international cricket events will be managed if security concerns continue ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

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