Striving hard to carve a space on the country’s sports map, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed some exceptional performances from ace sportspersons in the year 2023. As usual, the players of some prominent medal winning sports disciplines continued their brilliance at the National and International scene, while the Union Territory witnessed a customary dismal show in some games at the National level. Para Archer, Sheetal Devi’s brilliance, Gymnasts’ magnificence, Legends League Cricket’s emergence, Wushu’s dominance, history creator DYSS’s radiance and government’s commitment and excellence in raising sports infra in every nook and corner of the Union Territory were some highlights in sports during the year. EXCELSIOR sums up the sports scenario in Jammu and Kashmir in the year that passed by.
Archer Sheetal Devi becomes World No-1
Following her success in securing two Gold medals at the Para Asian Games, Sheetal Devi has ascended two positions to claim the top spot in the para world archery rankings for the women’s compound open category. Or in other words, Sheetal Devi is now the World No-1 Archer. Sheetal is a 16-year-old archer from the village of Loi Dhar in Kishtwar District, Jammu and Kashmir. Rakesh Kumar, who clinched three gold medals at the Para Asian Championship, has also experienced a positive shift, moving up two places to secure the third position globally. His ranking places him behind Nathan Macqueen of Great Britain and Matteo Bonacina of Italy.
Gymnasts continue brilliance
The Gymnasts of Jammu and Kashmir have continued brilliance and eight J&K Gymnasts represented the Country in 2023. Muskan Rana and Manya alongwith their Coach Krupali Singh made J&K proud by representing Country in Junior World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships at Cluz, Romania in July 2023, while Yaadavi Mahajan, Gourav Chettri, Manav Gupta, Dhruv Dewan, Sudipti Khanna and Laksh Mahajan represented the country in the World Cup at Bucharest-Romania in October, 2023. J&K Rhythmic Gymnastics team comprising of Viomini Dogra, Shivangi, Sneha Gupta and Himani Gupta also won Silver medal in the National Games at Goa in October- 2023 and J&K Aerobic Gymnastics team comprising of Manav Gupta, Gourav Chettri, Dhruv Dewan, Parul Mehra and Laksh Mahajan also won Silver medal. Ruddrakash Khanna of J&K also represented India in the Junior Aaian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships at Mangolia in Sept-2023. Muskan Rana also made us proud by winning 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal in the recenty held National School Games held at Delhi in December-2023.Meanwhile, displaying extraordinary skill, 5 female Gymnasts of the Gymnastics Academy of J&K Sports Council won 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal in Junior National Rythmic Gymnastics Championship held at Bengaluru recently. Those who won Gold in Junior category included the team of Jagriti Thakur, Vaibhavi Sharma, Muskan and Manya, while Muskan bagged 3 Gold and 1 Silver and Manya claimed 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal. In Seniors category, the team of Himani Gupta, Shivangi, Sneha Dewan and Viomini Dogra clinched Bronze medal.
Handoo & Wushu do it again
J&K’s only Dronacharya Awardee, Kuldeep Handoo and the game of Wushu once again made the entire nation proud by shining at the International scene. The National Chief Coach of India accompanied Indian Wushu team as Chief Coach and the Indian Wushu team won Silver Medal in the Asian Games.
On the basis of the same, ace Wushu player, Roshibina has been conferred with Arjuna Award. It is the 6th Arjuna Award for Wushu for which Kuldeep Handoo deserves salutation.
Fencer Shreya wins 1st KIYG Gold
J&K’s talented fencer Shreya Gupta is the only elite TOPS fencer from J&K selected for preparation of upcoming Olympics. In January 2023, she qualified on the basis of performance in national and participated in Junior World Cup in Budapest Hungary and with her flamboyant performance reached knockout stage. Shreya has the distinction of winning first ever fencing Gold in Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) held at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh in February 2023. In November 2023, she attended one month training cum exposure Camp in Novisbirsk, Russia.
Arun Malhotra dazzles at national scene
J&K’s former ace footballer, Arun Malhotra made the UT proud by being the part of All India Football Federation’s Technical Committee to finalise the coaching staff for the Indian U-19 Women’s team for the SAFF Championships scheduled to be held in February. The meeting was chaired by former India captain IM Vijayan and attended by AIFF Acting Secretary General, Satyanarayan M, Deputy Chairman of the Technical Committee, Manoranjan Bhattacharya, members- Pinky Bompal Magar, Harjinder Singh, Arun Malhotra, Climax Lawrence, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Technical Director, Syed Sabir Pasha.
JKCA’s Chitra emerges top scorer in India
Talented top-order batter and medium pace bowler, Chitra Singh Jamwal of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has emerged top run scorer in the country in the league phase of the prestigious Women’s U-23 T20 Trophy.
Gutsy Chitra scored 292 runs in the seven innings’ of the 7 matches she played in this tournament with a healthy average of 97.33 and an impressive strike rate (as far as women’s cricket is concerned) of 91.25. Ishwari Savarkar of Maharashtra with 266 runs is at number-2 spot in this list. Promising Chitra scored three half-centuries with unbeaten 68* as her top score, apart from unconquered 48*, 45 and 22* runs in the other three innings’. Chitra smashed 36 fours and 2 sixes in the tournament, just behind Savarkar’s 48 boundaries, besides taking 7 wickets in Women’s U-23 tournament.
Sports Council plays vital role in bringing LLC to Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council played a vital role in bringing Legends League Cricket (LLC) to J&K, which ultimately was a big success. Secretary Youth Services and Sports J&K, Sh Sarmad Hafeez and Secretary Sports Council Ms Nuzhat Gul apart from serving as beacon-lights to guide and goad thousands of youth not to derail from the mainstream by involving them in sporting activities like ‘My Youth My Pride’, made great endeavour to bring the prestigious Legends League Cricket (LLC) to J&K. What was good for the league was that Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Sh Manoj Sinha interacted with the former International cricketers at MA Stadium and also ‘High Tea’ was hosted for them. For practice sessions of legendary cricketers, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) provided them net facility at JKCA Hostel ground in Jammu.
Rasikh, Abid find buyers in IPL
For their consistent performances at the domestic circuit, two cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir namely Rasikh Salam and Abid Mushtaq have managed to secure spots in the Indian Premier League (IPL)-2024. Abid, a left-arm spinning all-rounder from Bhaderwah, has been picked up by the Rajasthan Royals at his base price of Rs 20 Lakhs, while speedster Rasikh, who has earlier featured in Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders teams, has been bought by Delhi Capitals at his base price of 0.20 Cr. (20 Lacs). Right-arm medium pacer Rasikh was the standout performer for J&K in the recently held Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, while Abid, apart from performing well this season, also has the distinction of capturing 32 wickets for J&K in the last year’s Ranji Trophy, besides being part of Australian team as net bowler for India tour last year. Rasikh has the honour of impressing the likes of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma when he was part of Mumbai Indians before two seasons.
Shivani represents country in Asian Games
Shivani Charak, a remarkable sport climber from Jammu and Kashmir represented India at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Her achievement brought great pride to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Shivani kept the J&K flag flying high by winning two Silver and a Bronze medal in the 27th IMF Sport Climbing Championship organized by General Thimmayya National Academy of Adventure at Yavanika, Bengaluru. Shivani bagged Silver medals in Lead Climbing and Bouldering and Bronze in the Speed Climbing. For this achievement, Members of Mountaineering Association of J&K (MAJK) congratulated her.
J&K Footballers sparkle
Young Footballers of J&K blossomed in the year 2023. Abdul Salha from Anantnag bagged Gold in South Asian Football Federation Championship Under-16 at Thimphu, Bhutan, while Suhail Ahmad from Srinagar clinched gold in Asian Football Championship U-23 at China in 2023. Sahil Khursheed from Baramulla won Gold in SAFF Championship U-19 held at Kathmandu Nepal in 2023, while Jehangir Shagoo claimed Gold in SAFF Championship Under-19 at Kathmandu, Nepal in the year 2023.
Ishfaq Ahmad was the Head Coach of Gold medal winning Indian National Football Team in SAFF Championship U-16 2023 atT himphu, Bhutan, while Majid Yousuf was the Manager of Indian National Football Team which won Gold in SAFF Championship U-16 2023 at Thimphu, Bhutan.
Jasia Akhter makes WPL cut
Jasia Akhtar, daughter of a daily wage earner from Kashmir, is the first woman cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to make it into the Indian Premier League team for women this year. Jasia, hailing from Shopian town of South Kashmir, was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 20 lakhs in March 2023. However, the aggressive opening batter went unsold in the recently held WPL Auction.
Deepak Raina does it for LLC
Deepak Raina, a cricket enthusiast and a prominent Event Manager worked day-in and day-out for smooth and successful conduct of Legends League Cricket (LLC) in Jammu. Apart from the development of the turfs and the outfield at MA Stadium in association with the LLC organisers and J&K Sports Council, Deepak was instrumental in facilitating the organisers with almost all the requisite facilities at the venue.
J&K emerges Tennis Ball Cricket Champion
Creating history, J&K boys emerged as champions and girls won runner-up trophy of the 31st Junior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship organized by Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India in Jammu recently.
Kalra plays instrumental role
Ace Sports Administrator and Member of J&K UT Sports Council Ranjeet Kalra a former cricketer played an instrumental role in coordinating the Legends League Cricket matches played in Jammu recently. Kalra also led the J&K contingent as J&K Sports Councils ‘Chef de Mission’ at the 37th National Games of India at Goa where J&K won a record 46 medals. He also earned praise for organising Volleyball tournament along the International border and facilitated in hosting the National Cricket Tournament for the Blind cricketers in Jammu. He was also conferred with DGP J&K medal and citation for his outstanding contribution towards Sports and Youth Affairs.
DYSS hosts historic 4 nationals
The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) hosted historic four nationals in the year 2023. It organised 67th National School Games (NSG) in the disciplines of Football and Volleyball at Srinagar and organised 67th NSG in the disciplines of Judo and Fencing at Jammu. J&K clinched Gold in Football, bronze in Volleyball and a galaxy of medals in Judo and Fencing. These four nationals were inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Singh at Srinagar and Sh Sinha was again the Chief Guest on the concluding ceremony of these tournaments in Jammu. Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sh Sarmad Hafeez and Director Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Sh Subash Chander Chibber played an instrumental role in successful conduct of these Nationals.
Soham Kamotra excels
Ace Chess player Soham Kamotra achieved 2nd IM Norm in Hanoi GM Chess Tournament 2023 in the month of May. Soham has been performing brilliantly at the National scene from last five years.
Bronze in Rowing
Jammu and Kashmir won Bronze medal in 43rd Junior National Rowing Championship held at Chandigarh recently. The winning team comprised of Adil Ahmad Bhat, Afak Ali, Irtiza Ali and Muntazir Ali.
Chain Singh shoots 3 Gold medals
Indian ace shooter Chain Singh has won three gold medals in the national championship held in New Delhi. He has won three gold medals in the 66th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi. He also created a new national record in 50-meter rifle prone. Chain Singh hails from the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. He won the bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event, the individual gold medal in the 7th Asian Airgun Championship in Kuwait, and six gold medals, three in individual events and three in team events, in the 2016 South Asian Games. Chain Singh learned to shoot in the Indian Army in 2007.
Pencak Silat athletes bring laurels
11th National Pencak Silat Championships for Pre Teen, Sub Junior and junior ( Boys and girls) at Patli Putra Stadium Patna Bihar made mark of the return of Pencak Silat action in the Arena.
2023 edition of the Pre Teen Sub Junior and junior Pencak Silat Nationals was held from November 23rd to 26th with participation from 34 States and Union Territories teams in both boys and girls with
Over 1400 players took part in the mega tournament with high fever. Players who performed well were taken the radar for the Indian national camps for the 5th Junior World and 20th Senior World Pencak Silat Championship 2023 which will be held at Singapore later in January 2024.
Col Ranveer creates history
Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal led a 4-member team to a six nations. Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore) cycling expedition, covering 5374 kms in 45 days, which became a new Asian Record. In Mission Har Shikhar Tiranga in which Col Ranveer led a 20-member team and climbed the highest mountain/point of all 28 states of India. This type of adventure was never attempted before. It has been officially accepted as a new world record. Now Col Ranveer is the only Indian, who has climbed the highest mountain of the world (Mt Everest-3 times), highest mountain of all seven continents and now the highest point of all 28 States.
Historic Women’s Judo League held
Judo Association of Jammu and Kashmir hosted historic Khelo India Women League Judo Tournament at Srinagar. 450 girls for 9 states participated in the said Championship. Cash prizes were also given to winners. The Championship was held under the guidance of Ministry of Sports and Khelo India. President of India also appreciated the tournament. Vikas Gupta, Senior Vice President Judo Association Jammu and Kashmir was the Organising Secretary.]
Anil, Manpreet blossom
Anil Kumar and Manpreet Singh won Bronze medals in the 10th Strength Lifting and Inclined Bench Press World Championship held at Hyderabad recently. Anil Kumar clinched the medal in 95+ weight category, while Manpreet Singh won the medal in 107+ weight category. BJP J&K honoured both these athletes for this achievement.
JKCA’ s Women’s U-15 team qualifies
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association’s (JKCA’s) U-15 Women’s team created history by qualifying for the knockout stage in the prestigious Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI’s) Women’s U-15 One Day Tournament this season. The team was unlucky to not play at the knockout stage against Andhra Pradesh as the rain played spoilsport to help Andhra to move ahead. The qualification of this team has made the entire Union Territory proud.JKCA Junior Women Selectors namely Pratibha Basin (Chairperson), Payal Choudhary, Madhu Sharma and Hinan Mir deserve appreciation for this achievement.
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