Suhail Khan
Jammu, Jan 03 : Sports knows no barriers, and it has changed, and continues to change, the landscape in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Especially after the Abrogation of Article 370, there is hardly any gender indifference in any sports field.
The domain of sports has not only been limited to cricket and football. Even sports that were less popular among girls have witnessed a transformation. Girls are now showcasing their talent and dreaming of representing the Union Territory not only at the national but also at the international level.
One shining example of this changing scenario is Anjali Thakur, a resident of Jammu who coaches around 30 girls of different age groups in hockey.
Anjali Thakur carries out her professional duties as a coach at K.K Hakku Hockey Stadium in Jammu. Here, she not only trains girls in hockey sports but also guides them to become better athletes.
In an interview with The Web Story, Anjali Thakur said that around 50 girls came for trials through the Khelo India program. However, only 20 girls and 20 boys were shortlisted according to the quota.
Anjali proudly stated that she is delighted to see girls competing with boys in every sport. At the hockey stadium, all 20 girls are playing shoulder to shoulder with boys, which is a great sign of how sports are gaining momentum.
She expressed gratitude to the sports council for establishing a Khelo India center at K.K Hakku Hockey Stadium, which has increased the number of youth participants in hockey.
Anjali said that there are two other senior coaches appointed at the stadium, and together we all are putting every effort to shape the players who come there.
Within a short period, many players have represented the Union Territory at the national-level hockey championship. This not only brings pride to the Jammu division but to the entire union territory she said.
Anjali mentioned that the parents are also thrilled with the success of their daughters and actively participate in their games to support and cheer them.
She praised the sports council for their tremendous work in boosting sports activities and improving the infrastructure of grounds and stadiums. She specifically commended the efforts of Nuzhat Gull, the secretary of the sports council, for her contribution to girls’ sports since her appointment as head.
Anjali shared that, under the efforts of Nuzhat Gull, two to three turfs have been created for hockey enthusiasts.
Pertinently, For the past five years, girls and women in Jammu and Kashmir have been rewriting the narrative and challenging the stereotypes that have plagued generations.
The special attention given by the central government to sporting activities, especially for girls, serves as a big motivating factor for women in Kashmir to excel in sports. The provision of world-class facilities in the valley has led to a significant increase in female participation in various sports.
