Kashmir, the crowning jewel of India, is not just known for its picturesque landscapes, but also for its political turmoil. The proxy war by Pakistan and her nefarious design to bleed India by thousand cuts has wreaked havoc on the region, and the people of Kashmir have been caught in the crossfire for decades. Kashmir has witnessed decades of political turmoil, terrorism, proxy war by Pakistan and civil unrest which led to lack of development in the region. When the rest of the country moved ahead by leaps and bounds, Kashmir was still struggling to get over the damage caused by our adversary. After relentless effort by the Armed Forces, Government and the Kashmiri population who have realised the deceit tactics and double standards of Pakistan, Kashmir is finally moving towards normalcy and progress. Amidst all the chaos, sports has emerged as a beacon of hope for the youth in the region. Sports has the potential to bring about development and peace in the valley and has the power to unite people and foster peace.
In Kashmir, cricket is the most popular sport, and it has played a pivotal role in bringing the youth together. The game has been used as a tool to bridge the gap between the different communities. Cricket tournaments have been organised across the region, and players from all religions and ethnicities have come together to play. This has helped in breaking down the barriers between the communities and has brought about a sense of unity. Kashmir has produced several talented cricketers who have represented the Indian national team at various levels. One such young athlete is Parvez Rasool, who hails from Bijbehara in South Kashmir. He is an all rounder who has played for the Indian cricket team and is the first cricketer from the state to do so. Parvez has also represented the Indian A team and played for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Football is another sport that has gained popularity in Kashmir. The Real Kashmir Football Club, founded in 2016, has become a symbol of hope for the people of the valley. The team has brought together players from different parts of the region, and they have represented Kashmir in the national league. The success of the team has brought about a sense of pride among the people of the valley. The club has also started a grassroots program to encourage children to take up football. Kashmiri footballers have represented the country at various levels and have brought laurels to the state as well. Danish Farooq, a young footballer from Srinagar, is one such talent who has been making waves in the Indian football scene. He has played for several clubs in the I-League and was also part of the Indian national football team that played in the 2019 King’s Cup in Thailand.
The region’s cold climate and mountainous terrain make it an ideal destination for winter sports. Gulmarg, a popular ski resort located in Kashmir, has hosted several national and international skiing events. The Indian government has also established the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports in Pahalgam to promote winter sports in the region. Apart from cricket, football, and winter sports, Kashmir also has a vibrant culture of other sports like Volleyball, Basketball, and martial arts. The region has produced several talented athletes in these sports who have represented the country at various levels. Tanveer Hussain is one such athlete. He is a cyclist from Baramulla and has represented the country in various international cycling events. He has won several medals at national and international level and is considered one of the most promising young cyclists in the country. These are just few of the talented athletes hidden in Kashmir. Despite the challenges faced by young athletes and sportsmen in the region, they have managed to excel in their respective sports. The lack of proper infrastructure, equipment, and training facilities has not deterred them from pursuing their dreams. The government and various sports organisations have recognised their talent and have taken steps to support and encourage them.
Sports not only promotes unity and peace but also helps in developing the region. The government has recognised the potential of sports in the region and has taken several initiatives to promote them. The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has been established to develop the sports infrastructure in the valley. The council has identified talented athletes and provided them with training and financial support. This has helped in creating a pool of talented athletes who have the potential to represent the country at the international level. The government has also started several sports academies across the region. These academies provide training in different sports and have helped in identifying talent at a young age. The academy not only focuses on the physical development of the athletes but also on their mental and emotional well-being. The coaches and trainers work closely with the athletes and provide them with the necessary support to succeed. Sports has also played a role in creating job opportunities in the region. The development of sports infrastructure has also led to the creation of jobs in the construction and maintenance sectors. This has helped in providing employment opportunities for the people of the valley. In conclusion, sports has emerged as a game changer in Kashmir. The path of development Kashmir witnessing now is tremendous and awe inspiring. The growing interest of Kashmiri youth in Sports and their inspiring stories of success is testimony to the positive changes in Kashmir. This path will eventually lead to normalcy in the valley and will help Kashmir regain her long lost title of ‘Heaven on Earth’.
