Aadil Nazir
Sopore, Sep 7 : Nahida Nabi, Jammu and Kashmir’s first female national-level kabaddi referee and an NIS-trained coach, was on Monday honoured at the inaugural State-Level Kabaddi League 2026 held at Nowpora in Sopore, north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The award was presented by Mohammad Syed Baba, Co-Chairman of the event and former Chief Sports Officer, who also serves as President of the District Baramulla Kabaddi Association. The recognition came for Nahida Nabi’s pioneering contributions to the sport and her efforts in promoting kabaddi at the grassroots level in the region.
A native of Sopore, Nahida has emerged as a trailblazer for women in sports in Jammu and Kashmir. She recently cleared the kabaddi examination, further bolstering her credentials as a certified coach and sports trainer. Her journey from a small town in north Kashmir to the national refereeing arena has inspired a generation of young female athletes and coaches across the Union Territory.
The State-Level Kabaddi League, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from players and sports lovers, served as a platform to not only unearth local talent but also acknowledge individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth of the sport in the Valley.