Baramulla’s Nasir Ejaz Sufi Wins Bronze for India at ISF World School Championship in China, Ganderbal Athlete Khushboo Jan’s Solo 400m Run Inspires, Earns UT-Level Recognition
Srinagar, Dec 31 (KNS): Across 35 sports disciplines, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Jammu & Kashmir, mobilised an unprecedented wave of participation in 2025, with around 21 lakh young athletes taking part in structured sports activities and an additional 16 lakh youth engaged through diverse youth-oriented initiatives, marking one of the most expansive outreach efforts in the department’s history.
Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) , Official said 2025 witnessed an unprecedented scale of engagement in sports and youth activities across the Union Territory. Over 21 lakh young athletes participated in structured sporting events across 35 disciplines, while another 16 lakh youth were involved in various engagement and outreach programmes, helping embed a strong sporting culture at the grassroots level.
On the national stage, J&K’s young sportspersons made their presence felt during the 69th National School Games. A contingent of 1,128 athletes represented the UT in 108 national-level events, displaying resilience and competitive spirit. Jammu & Kashmir also successfully hosted National School Games events in Football, Taekwondo, Wushu and Table Tennis in Jammu and Srinagar.
The UT’s athletes returned with an impressive 30 medals — 9 gold, 8 silver and 13 bronze — with officials expressing confidence that the medal tally could rise further as competitions continue.
Among the standout moments of the year was the international success of Nasir Ejaz Sufi, a volleyball player from Baramulla, who won a bronze medal for India at the ISF World School Championship in China.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTrained under DYSS coaches Azhar Raina and Naresh Kumar, his achievement has been hailed as a major validation of the department’s grassroots training framework.
Another powerful story emerged from Khushboo Jan of Ganderbal, whose solo 400-metre run at the UT-level Athletic Meet became a defining moment of the year. Her performance was widely appreciated as a symbol of courage, inclusion and perseverance, and she was formally acknowledged by the Directorate.
In 2025, DYSS also expanded its outreach beyond the field. Under the leadership of Director General Anuradha Gupta, the department launched the motivational podcast “Khel Khel Mein”, featuring accomplished athletes such as Wushu star Jiya Manhas, aimed at promoting fitness and sharing success stories. The creative initiative “Dastaan-e-Mic”, an open-mic platform for young artists at Bahu Plaza, Jammu, was also introduced and has now been included in the department’s annual calendar.
The year further saw the release of a departmental compendium titled “Beyond the Finish Line”, unveiled by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, documenting the journey, challenges and achievements of J&K’s youth in sports and allied activities.
As 2025 draws to a close, officials said the Directorate enters the new year with renewed confidence, strengthened by medals won, barriers broken and platforms created for young talent. With its focus firmly on inclusion, excellence and opportunity, DYSS, J&K, is gearing up to build on this momentum in 2026.(KNS)