Ulfat Jaan
Srinagar, Sep 02 : If there is one thing that has truly brought change, relief, and peace of mind to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it is sports. This transformation is visible and much needed at a time when the government can invest in and further boost this sector. Beyond mere claims, sports offer a way to secure the future of the younger generation and script a new narrative for the region by providing youth with a platform to showcase their talent while steering them away from drugs and other social evils.
Just two years ago, efforts to promote sports transformed the atmosphere in Sopore, a town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The town took on a festive look as around ten thousand sports enthusiasts gathered under floodlights at Khushal Stadium to cheer for their favorite football teams during a thrilling 60-minute match. The energy was electric—cheers, chants, and whistles brought life back to Sopore.
Locals noted that for the first time, the market buzzed with activity, and nightlife flourished. Despite busy schedules, sports lovers traveled long distances to watch their football heroes in action.
Sopore, known as Kashmir’s “fruit bowl” for hosting Asia’s second-largest fruit market, was once a separatist stronghold and a hotbed of militancy. Today, it stands as a symbol of change.
Similar stories are unfolding across Kashmir as sports enthusiasts strive to engage youth amid rising drug abuse and other social issues. From north to south to central Kashmir, sports tournaments have become a source of joy for the people.
Shakir Ashraf, an educator and sports lover, has been instrumental in channeling his students’ energy into sports. Speaking with The Web Story/The Varmul Post emphasized the lack of entertainment options in north Kashmir and the alarming rise in substance abuse.
“After academics, sports are the best way to keep youth away from drugs. My goal is to provide students with a platform to excel in sports and avoid falling into addiction,” he said.
Zubair, a passionate cricketer, shared that sports tournaments have become a genuine source of happiness. “While some may commercialize these events, the joy they bring to people is undeniable. Thousands gather at every match, whether it’s football or cricket,” he said.
Peer Adnan, 27, travels 5 km every evening to participate in football tournaments in north Kashmir. “It’s not just a match—it’s a festival here. Baramulla has produced legends like the late Mohammad Subhan Janwari, and now, our evenings are filled with camaraderie as we cheer for our favorite players,” he said.
The sports wave has also empowered women in the region. Footballer Nadiya Nighat, who coaches the UT team and now plays in the Kerala Women’s League, has inspired many.
“At first, my family hesitated, but their support grew as my passion for the game became clear,” she said. Today, there are 25 girls’ football clubs, including a team under Real Kashmir FC.
Afshan Ashiq, J&K’s first female football coach, has brought pride to the region. “Mothers who once criticized me now encourage their daughters to follow in my footsteps. Society may judge, but success silences critics,” she said.
Suhaira Ashraf, who runs a football academy in Srinagar, trains young boys and girls, many of whom have represented J&K at national levels. “In a conflict-ridden area like Kashmir, sports keep youth away from addiction,” she stressed.
Kashmir has also produced cricket talents like Rasik Salam and Umran Malik, who have played for India. Many young players have shone in the IPL, inspiring countless others.
Across Kashmir, organizations, businesses, and educational institutions are organizing sports events to combat substance abuse.
Nuzhat, a 25-year-old athlete from Handwara, said, “Sports help us escape conflict’s harsh realities and redefine perceptions about Kashmir and its women. We want to keep youth away from drugs and antisocial activities.”
Omar Kakroo, a sports organizer, advocates for night tournaments. “Most drug-related activities happen in the evenings. Sports can divert youth toward fitness and discipline,” he said.
Azhar Lone, another organizer from Bandipora, emphasized the need for career opportunities in sports. “More tournaments mean fewer youth falling into addiction,” he said.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, highlighted the government’s focus on sports. “We aim to engage lakhs of youth, and our efforts are paying off as young athletes represent Kashmir nationally and internationally,” she said.
Notably, Thousands of spectators flocked to the Pulwama Sports Stadium last week for South Kashmir’s first-ever day-night cricket match under floodlights—an event local leaders hailed as the symbolic beginning of a new era for the youth of the valley.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who attended the event, described it as the ‘start of a new inning’ for the youth of the valley. “Sports can be a bridge to hope and opportunity. This is more than a match—it is a celebration of aspirations,” Para stated.
He emphasized the event’s significance in a region once considered a stronghold of separatist politics. “This is the first time a day-night cricket match is being played anywhere in Kashmir, especially in Pulwama. This marks a new beginning for our youth, who had previously been burdened by hopelessness and depression due to rising unemployment and political uncertainty,” he said.
Para applauded the youth-led initiative, noting that the organizers, promoters, and players all hailed from various parts of J&K. “Our aim is to steer our youth away from drugs, pull them out of depression, and offer new hope through such tournaments,” he added, promising that the tournament would be expanded to every district.
