Sports - NEWS Of KASHMIR

Local Athletes Shine at Khelo India Water Sports Festival, Bag Silver and Bronze for J&K

August 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

On the second day of the ongoing Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF), the spotlight fell on local talent as athletes from the SAI Jammu’s centre at Nehru Park Srinagar clinched two medals, underlining Jammu and Kashmir’s rising stature in national water sports.

The young duo of Sajjad and Muhammad Hussain brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by winning the silver medal in the 500m C-2 (canoe doubles) event.

Adding to the state’s medal tally, Muhammad Hussain further showcased his prowess by bagging a bronze medal in the 1000 metres C1 (canoe singles) event.

Both athletes are trainees of the extension centre of SAI Jammu, which is being successfully run at the state-of-the-art Water Sports Centre at Nehru Park, Srinagar, in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council (JKSC).

The centre, nestled on the banks of Dal Lake, has emerged as a cradle for grooming young water sports talent, offering modern facilities, professional coaching, and world-class equipment.

Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul in-person congratulated the medal-winning athletes, for their stellar performances, and appreciated their determination and discipline.

She emphasised that such achievements reflect the transformative role that the Nehru Park Water Sports Centre is playing in shaping the future of water sports in the region.

The ongoing Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, which will conclude on August 23, has turned the iconic Dal Lake into a grand stage for competition and celebration, featuring athletes from across the country in events like canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and demonstration races.

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News / Sports

Mohsin Ali Kand Wins First Gold for J&K at Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025

August 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

From rowing a Shikara at Dal Lake to paddling his way to national glory, Mohsin Ali Kand has come a long way. Mohsin made Jammu and Kashmir proud, winning the first gold medal of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 on Thursday.

Seventeen-year-old Mohsin won gold in the 1000-metre men’s Kayaking event, clocking 4:12:717s. It was a career highlight for the youngster.

As Mohsin stepped out of Dal Lake, he was greeted by a jubilant home crowd, even as he failed to hold back tears of joy and hugged his coach Bilquis Mir, a former international and an Olympic judge.

It was an overwhelming moment for Mohsin, a 12th standard student of SP Higher Secondary School, who, to fulfil his dream of representing India at the international events, rows a Shikara on the Dal Lake after attending his school to earn money for buying his diet.

After clinching the gold, Mohsin, the son of a lower-middle-class carpenter, Fida Hussain Kand, said he had worked very hard for it and credited his success to his father.

“It was my father who was instrumental in me taking up water sports. The lanky Mohsin added that despite economic hardships and taking care of a five-member family, his father ensured that he developed a keen interest in water sports from a very young age,” Mohsin said as quoted from SAI Media.

“Water sports are my passion and I dream of representing India at the international level. To see my dreams actualise, I row a Shikara and share the burden of my family and buying the necessary diet that I require for training,” Mohsin said.

A resident of Kand Mohalla inside Dal Lake, who started his water sports journey as a seven-year-old, Mohsin said, apart from his father, he would also credit the Jammu and Kashmir Kayaking and Canoeing Association.

“They are also instrumental in my success as the association provided me with the necessary training and infrastructure,” he said.

Mohsin’s achievement is noteworthy, considering that, despite not participating in many national events, he emerged triumphant over other athletes with more experience and international exposure.

“It is very difficult for me to purchase the necessary diet for participating in such events as professional water sports athletes are supposed to have a protein-rich, carbohydrate-rich, electrolyte-rich diet, which I am not able to afford due to meagre means,” Mohsin said.

However, Mohsin did not let this come in his way of success and, with his strong determination, was able to overcome all the hurdles.

“The thing that really keeps me going is the burning desire to represent the country at international events like the Asian Games, World Championship and Olympics,” he said.

Mohsin believes that practising on the waters of Dal Lake in high-altitude Kashmir helps develop better stamina, which other athletes from across the country lack.

“Most of them come from the plains. So I have a strong feeling that if I continue to work hard the way I have, it is not far from now when I will represent the country in international events,” he said.

While rowing the Shikara after returning from school every day kept him humble, the gold medal at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 can become the much-needed impetus that his career needs. (ANI)

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Developing Story / Sports

Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 Inaugurated at Dal Lake Srinagar

August 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the opening ceremony of “Khelo India Water Sports Festival-2025” at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended a warm welcome and best wishes to all participating athletes and team officials. He congratulated the Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, J&K Sports Council, sports enthusiasts, water sports veterans and people of Jammu Kashmir on the momentous occasion.

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He also expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the historic city of Srinagar the opportunity to host the country’s first ‘Khelo India Water Sports Festival’.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the participation of 800 athletes from 28 States/UTs in this mega national sports event will project J&K UT as the Water Sports Capital of the Country.

“Hosting of national-level sporting event with participants from across the country sends a strong message of peace, normalcy and progress in J&K. While winter sports attract visitors during snow season, water sports will promote summer tourism benefiting the local economy.

Next two days the competitive Games will provide a unique opportunity for sportspersons from all over the country to stay together, live and compete in the same environment and showcase the sporting excellence,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, shared the extraordinary journey of J&K towards becoming a sporting powerhouse.

“I am proud to say that Sports in J&K UT have got its due under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Modern sports infrastructure has been developed under his guidance across Jammu Kashmir and sporting facilities have been made available to youngsters in rural areas,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said the scale and magnitude of sports events organised in Jammu Kashmir for the last 5-6 years is impressive and unprecedented.

The Lieutenant Governor also thanked the Government of India for developing a vibrant ‘Sports Culture’ in J&K UT which has encouraged the children and youth of Jammu Kashmir to play and realise their dreams.

Our goal is to nurture and advance the skills of talented youth of J&K. It is also preventing them from falling prey to anti-social activities and drugs. From 3-4 lakh per year before 2019 the number of youngsters getting opportunity to play has gone up to 30-40 lakh per year, he further said.

The Lieutenant Governor also urged the children and youth to take keen interest in water sports.

“We must set our sights on International Water Sports Games. Unless we aim high, we will never be able to reach the top. We can do much better in these games,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.

He observed that Water Sports Games help in building the national character by inculcating in us team spirit. They are also an occasion for promoting national integration. Your unity in your diversity is a symbol of the spirit of India. It is participation and sportsmanship, more than winning or losing, which will strengthen the bond between Sportspersons, he added.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the players and officials to become the ambassadors of new Jammu Kashmir.

“When you return home, tell your friends and family that the youth of Jammu Kashmir are now actively engaged in sports, participating in a wide range of activities just like their counterparts across India.

The schools and colleges here are now open year-round, and the playgrounds are alive with the energy of the youth. Now calendars are published in J&K for Khelo India and other national-international games and not for strikes and shutdowns. The voices of the youth are now heard in stadiums, not in the streets,” he said.

Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports declared the Khelo India Water Sports Festival open through video message.

The three-day event features competitive sports events in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. The festival is also showcasing demonstration events such as water skiing, dragon boat racing, and a shikara race.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse; Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah; Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma; Commissioner Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez; IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul; senior officials of Police & civil administration, Sports Authority of India, J&K Sports Council, prominent sports personalities, sports lovers, and people from different walks of life attended the opening ceremony.

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Sports

India Reforms Sports Policy on Pakistan, Allows Multinational Participation but Bars Bilateral Ties

August 21, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Indian Government has announced a significant reform in its sports policy concerning Pakistan, clarifying its stance on bilateral and international competitions.

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Indian athletes and teams will be permitted to participate in international or multilateral tournaments that include Pakistani players or teams. However, India will continue to boycott bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan and will not participate in competitions held on Pakistani soil.

A senior MYAS official said, “India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. Bilateral sports events will not be held in India or Pakistan, but Indian teams will compete in international events where Pakistan also participates.”

The decision comes amid growing debate over India’s scheduled clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup on September 14 in Dubai, which follows heightened tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 tourists. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor on May 7, further straining ties with Islamabad.

Visa Policy Simplification

Alongside the sports policy decision, the government has also announced a simplified visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of international sports governing bodies.

Multi-entry visas will be issued on priority for the duration of official tenure, up to a maximum of five years.
The move is aimed at positioning India as a preferred destination for global sports events, ensuring smooth participation of international stakeholders.
Heads of international sports governing bodies will be accorded due protocol and courtesies during visits to India.

The MYAS emphasized that the reforms reflect India’s growing role as a credible host of top-tier international sports events, while also safeguarding national interests.

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Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 at Dal Lake: Boost for J&K Athletes and Tourism

August 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is being seen as a life-changer for many. While locals who win their daily bread through tourism are looking forward to the event because it will bring a lot of visitors from all across the country, Jammu and Kashmir athletes see this as a massive opportunity to challenge some of India’s best and win national accolades, according to a release from SAI media.

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival from August 21-23 will be a top-tier, open-age competition in three medal sports – rowing, canoeing and kayaking. More than 400 athletes from the 36 states and Union territories are here to compete at the iconic Dal Lake, an established world-famous tourist spot.

Muhammad Abbas Kand of Rainawari in Srinagar downtown has been preparing hard for the upcoming Water Games. He will take part in rowing doubles in the lightweight category. Abbas participated in a 21-day camp for water sports athletes organised at the Water Sports Centre in Nehru Park, located inside the Dal Lake and is now raring to go.

“I am hopeful of fetching a gold medal for Jammu and Kashmir. I am also elated that the Games are being held inside Dal Lake. It will give a boost to water sports in the region and also bring the much-needed limelight to water sports athletes like me,” said Abbas, as quoted from a release by SAI media.

Abbas, who has won nine state and district-level medals and participated in seven national events, including the 37th National Games in Goa, is among the 17 water sports athletes from Jammu and Kashmir participating in the competitive sport events at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025.

Abbas and other water sports athletes from J-K have been training under the guidance of water sports coaches Parvez Ahmad Shagu of the Jammu and Kashmir Police team and Waseem Raja of the J-K Sports Association.

Like Abbas, his fellow water sports athletes from J&K, Irtiza Ali and Muntazir Ali, are also enthusiastic about their participation in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 in the rowing Pairs event.

Irtiza, who hails from the Saida Kadal area of Srinagar and won a bronze medal in the 43rd junior national rowing championships at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, aims to improve his performance and secure a gold medal this time around. He is also counting on a lot of home support.

Zahid Hussain is another J&K water sports athlete who is keen to make a splash in KIWSF. Zahid, a national bronze medal winner, has also won 25 district and state medals. He will be taking part in the canoe slalom event.

“Team India water sports athletes will come here. We will learn techniques from them. We will race with them really hard,” Zahid promised.

Marya Jan, a kayaking and canoeing coach, said the Dal Lake Games will lift the profile of water sports in J&K exactly how the Khelo India Winter Games brought world attention to Gulmarg.

“The locals have been training hard and should win a lot of medals,” said Marya. (ANI)

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Karun Nair Reflects on England Test Series, Praises Gill, Gambhir, and Pant’s Grit

August 10, 2025 by NOK Desk

India batter Karun Nair rued that he could not convert the starts he got in the recent Test series against England into big scores but understands that letting those disappointments ebb away is important for him to return to his run-making ways. Nair made 205 runs from four Tests at an average of 25 with just one fifty in his comeback series after an eight-year hiatus. “I was disappointed at not being able to convert the start at The Oval (where he made a 57) into a century. But it was quite important to grind my way on that first day with the team in a tricky position. The nerves were there, but I was feeling good. I was hoping to convert, which I couldn’t,” Nair told ESPNCricinfo.

The Karnataka batter acknowledged that it was an “up and down series” for him, and was a disappointment after his big-scoring ways in domestic cricket earned him a berth in the national team.

“I did reflect a lot. But it’s also important to let go of what has happened and look forward to what I need to do in the next few months.

“It’s about keeping my focus levels up and making sure I go on and make big scores, irrespective of the level I’m playing at,” he added.

Nair lauded skipper Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir for holding the team together through an intensely-fought five-match Test series.

“The way Shubman held everyone together and the encouragement he gave was great to see. He was crystal clear with his communication from the beginning. To achieve what he did as a batter, while also leading the team…as a leader, he exemplified the spirit of Gauti bhai,” he said.

“Right at the very beginning, Gauti bhai said, he doesn’t want us to look at it as a team in transition. He didn’t want us to feel that way. The first message we got was ‘this isn’t a young team, this is a gun team and everyone must feel it from within.” Nair was in awe of the way an injured Rishabh Pant batted during the fourth Test at Manchester, and said the attitude defined the team as a whole.

“…to see Rishabh walk out to bat with a broken toe – it was one of the moments of the series. It was astonishing for everyone to see. It told you what a great player he is, and more importantly, the person he is.

“That kind of exemplified the philosophy of the team. Of putting everything first for the team, it’s not about individuals,” he added.

Sports

J&K Fencers Shreya Gupta, Vishal Thapar to Represent India at Asian Fencing Championship in Bali

June 16, 2025 by NOK Desk

Prominent international fencers from Jammu and Kashmir, Shreya Gupta and Vishal Thapar, are all set to fly to Bali, Indonesia, to participate in the prestigious Asian Fencing Championship, scheduled to be held from June 17 to 22.
The duo earned their spots in this elite international competition based on their impressive national rankings, achieved during the Senior National Fencing Championship held in Kerala earlier this year.
In preparation for the championship, both fencers underwent rigorous two-week training sessions at the India Camp in Pune, where they trained under national-level coaches as part of the official contingent. The camp was focused on refining technical skills, improving fitness, and enhancing mental conditioning to face top-ranked Asian opponents.
Their participation is seen as a significant boost to the fencing community in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting not only their individual talent and dedication but also the growing standard of sporting excellence in the Union Territory. Officials, coaches and sports enthusiasts have extended their best wishes to the fencers, expressing confidence in their ability to shine on the international stage and bring laurels to the nation.

ZPEO Shangus Concludes U-17 Sports Finals with Victories for HSS Chittergul and HS Shergund

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by NOK Desk

The final day of the Under-17 boys’ Volleyball, Kabaddi, and Kho-Kho competitions, organised by the Zonal Physical Education Office (ZPEO) Shangus, culminated in a spirited celebration of youth sportsmanship at Higher Secondary School (HSS) Uttersoo.
The day began with an anti-drug pledge, underscoring the importance of promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle among the youth. This was followed by the much-anticipated finals, where students demonstrated remarkable skill, agility, and teamwork. A total of 368 students participated in the competitions, showcasing enthusiasm and competitive zeal. In Volleyball, HSS Chittergul claimed victory, with HSS Shangus finishing as runners-up. In Kabaddi, HSS Chittergul once again emerged as champions, while HS Shergund secured second place. The Kho-Kho title went to HS Shergund, with HSS Uttersoo as runners-up. The winners were awarded trophies and certificates in the presence of dignitaries, recognising their hard work and dedication. ZPEO Shangus lauded the participating schools and extended gratitude to HSS Uttersoo for hosting the event with exemplary coordination. The competitions were hailed as a testament to the rising interest and commitment toward physical education and sports in the Shangus zone.

Virat Kohli Dedicates Maiden IPL Title to Bengaluru, Reflects on Future After RCB’s Historic Win

June 4, 2025 by NOK Desk

Following his side’s first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli dedicated the win to the state of Bengaluru and opened up on how he wants to go forward for the rest of his franchise cricket career.

Virat’s wait for a maiden IPL title win came to an end as spectacular bowling from RCB helped them defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in an absolute thriller of a final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.

Speaking about his career in the post-match interview, Virat said that he is still finding ways to improve and make an impact on the field for the entirety of 20 overs.

“Well, I have an opportunity to play this game for not many years. So there is an end date to our career, as you know. And by the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had. So I look for ways to improve. I cannot play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That is the kind of player I have been. And God blessed me with that perspective, with the talent. And then you find different ways to help the team,” said the star batter.

“This management, this group of players, has been outstanding, to be honest. They have gotten the right kind of players, match winners, people who take the game on. In the auction, a lot of people questioned our tactics. But by day two, we were very happy with what we had. And we had a lot of confidence in the strength of this group. And I want to give a big shout-out to this team. It would not have been possible without each and every one in the squad, in the playing XI, the management backing the players, keeping us positive throughout when the going got tough. So it is everyone’s . I do not want to stand here and talk about myself. There is a lot that is spoken about me already. This win is for Bangalore. And it is for each and every one of the players, and the families, and the whole management as well,” he concluded.

Coming to the match, PBKS won the toss and elected to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) applied timely breaks with the ball, while Yuzi Chahal (1/37) also prevented batters from attacking. While Virat (43 in 35 balls, with three fours) tried to keep the innings together, skipper Rajat Patidar (26 in 16 balls, with a four and two sixes), Jitesh Sharma (24 in 10 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Liam Livingstone (25 in 15 balls, with two fours) upped the attack enough to help RCB post 190/9 in 20 overs.

In the run-chase, PBKS started well with Priyansh Arya (24 in 19 balls, with four boundaries) and Prabhsimran (26 in 22 balls, with two sixes) stitching a 43-run stand. Josh Inglis (39 in 23 balls, with a four and four sixes) and Shashank Singh (61* in 30 balls, three wins and six sixes) tried their level best to keep up with the rising run rate, but Krunal Panddya (2/17), Yash Dayal (1/18) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) put a fine show with the ball to restrict PBKS to 184/7, despite a sensational 22 runs smashed by Shashank in the final over while needing 29.

The title wait continues for PBKS, who reached their second final and their first in 11 years. (ANI)

Rohit Sharma Crosses 7000 IPL Runs, Joins Kohli and Gayle in Elite Batting Club

May 30, 2025 by NOK Desk

Mumbai Indians seasoned opener Rohit Sharma crossed the 7000-run milestone in the cash-rich league, becoming just the second after his long-time compatriot Virat Kohli to achieve the feat.

Rohit upped the ante during MI’s pulsating Eliminator fixture against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. He notched a sizzling 81 from 50 deliveries to send the five-time champions into the driver’s seat with a score of 228/5.

Rohit, who averaged barely above 15 before his rollicking display, took his guard, gunned down his past nightmares to cross the 7000-run mark in the cash-rich league, and became the second batter to join the exclusive club.

Gujarat twice had the opportunity to rob Rohit of his landmark occasion and avoid being clobbered. On the penultimate delivery of the second over, Coetzee dropped a sitter off Prasidh Krishna, allowing Rohit to survive an early scare when he stood at three.

In the next over, Rohit gave away a faint edge off Mohammed Siraj, but Kusal Mendis couldn’t collect the ball in his gloves and floored the opportunity. The 38-year-old never looked back and enjoyed his night riddled with fortune.

He decimated GT’s ball tweakers to establish his authority. He unleashed a relentless onslaught on Sai Kishore and then smoked the ball into the stands to add to Rashid Khan’s agony and cross the 7000-run landmark in the IPL in the 9th over.

Rohit’s record-breaking night came to an end in the 17th over when he tried to take on Prasidh but got deceived by the slower variation and deposited the ball into Rashid Khan’s hands. Following his exploits, Rohit has 7038 runs under his belt in 271 matches at 29.82, with two centuries and 47 fifties and a best score of 109*.

It was sixes galore for Rohit as he cleared the boundary rope four times with brute force. Rohit crossed the 300 sixes mark in the IPL and joined ‘Universal Boss’ Chris Gayle for the elusive feat. Rohit has 302 sixes to his name, behind Gayle’s record-breaking tally of 357 and Virat Kohli trailing in the third spot with 291 maximums. (ANI)