Baramulla, Feb 20: The Chinar Open Winter Games 2026, a flagship initiative of the Indian Army, concluded amidst the breath taking snow clad landscapes of Gulmarg in Baramulla district. The event was organised under the aegis of Dagger Division Baramulla of Chinar Corps. The event was a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, community spirit and youth empowerment.   The games provided a versatile platform for the youth of Kashmir to showcase their talents and channelise their energy into competitive and constructive pursuits. This edition witnessed record-breaking participation of 660 skiers-- 166 girls and 494 boys, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for winter sports across the region and the steady rise in women participation. The event featured an exhilarating line up of winter sports competitions, ranging from high adrenaline skiing races and thrilling snowboarding events to graceful skating performances. The participants tested their abilities against some of the region’s finest athletes, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds of locals, tourists and sports enthusiasts. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command graced the occasion and interacted with participants, organisers and members of the local community. He lauded the exceptional organisation of the Games and commended the high standard of sportsmanship displayed by the young athletes. He appreciated the initiative as a meaningful endeavour to channelise the aspirations of Kashmir’s youth towards constructive Nation building activities and reaffirmed the Army’s steadfast commitment to fostering peace, progress and opportunity through sports. Beyond the excitement of the competitions, the games reinforced the Indian Army’s enduring bond with the people. These initiatives highlighted Indian Army’s contribution towards promoting sports, nurturing young talent and developing Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination. "The event stood as a testament to Kashmir’s rising sporting culture and growing prominence of Gulmarg as a hub of winter sports in India," the handout reads.

Srinagar, Feb 15: Real Kashmir FC’s U‑16 team delivered a commanding performance in their first-ever home fixture in the AIFF Junior League this season, cruising to a 7–1 victory over Young Football Club (Khad) at the TRC Ground in Srinagar on Sunday. The match marked RKFC U‑16’s debut on home soil in the league, having previously played their fixtures outside Jammu and Kashmir. From the opening whistle, the locally born lineup asserted control, maintaining possession and converting chances with clinical precision. Standout performer Himayat was the star of the show, dazzling supporters with three goals. After scoring, he paid a touching tribute to his mother by writing, “Mom, your blessings are my real victory” on his jersey — a moment that captured the hearts of fans at the ground. The team’s relentless attack and organized defense overwhelmed the visitors, with goals coming from a well-distributed attacking unit, showcasing the depth of talent in RKFC’s youth ranks. In a post-match statement, the management congratulated the players for their disciplined and spirited display, underlining the importance of nurturing local talent. Owned by Arshad Shawl, Real Kashmir FC continues its mission to provide a platform for Kashmiri youth. RKFC remains the only club from Jammu and Kashmir competing in the national I-League, now rebranded as the Indian Football League.

Srinagar, Feb 9: Jammu and Kashmir on Monday etched their name in history by entering the Ranji Trophy semifinals for the first time after defeating former champions Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs, riding on an outstanding bowling display by pacer Auqib Nabi. Chasing a target of 291 runs, Madhya Pradesh were bundled out for 234, handing J&K a memorable victory and a spot in the last four of India’s premier domestic cricket tournament, 67 years after their maiden Ranji appearance. Auqib Nabi emerged as the chief architect of the win, registering a career-best match haul of 12 wickets. The 29-year-old fast bowler followed his first-innings spell of 7 for 40 with a decisive 5 for 70 in the second innings, dismantling the MP batting order and finishing with figures of 12 for 110. Madhya Pradesh, who resumed the day at 84 for 5, struggled to build momentum as Auqib struck early, dismissing Ramveer Gurjar (11) and later ending the resistance of Saransh Jain, who scored a fighting 64 off 81 deliveries. India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was removed early in the day, adding just 20 runs to the overnight total. Tailender Aryan Pandey contributed 22 runs, while left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq provided vital support to Auqib by claiming three wickets for 49 runs to seal the historic win. With this victory, Jammu and Kashmir have advanced to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Andhra and Bengal. The other semifinal will be contested between Uttarakhand and Karnataka. J&K had last reached the Ranji knockout stage six years ago. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the J&K cricket team on their landmark achievement. In a post on X, the Office of the Chief Minister lauded the team for their historic victory over Madhya Pradesh and wished them success for the semifinal scheduled to be played on February 15. BRIEF SCORES: Jammu & Kashmir: 194 & 248 all out (70.3 overs) Madhya Pradesh: 152 & 234 all out (68.3 overs) Shubham Sharma 32, Saransh Jain 64; Auqib Nabi 5/70, Abid Mushtaq 3/49. 

Srinagar, Feb 9: In a significant development, the team of Sanctorum School Sopore etched their name in Kashmir football history by emerging as Champions of the U-15 Kashmir Championship organized by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS). The two-month-long league-based championship culminated on Monday at the TRC Astro Turf, Srinagar. In the match, the team from Sanctorum stood tall among the finest football academies of the region. Displaying consistency, discipline, and high-quality football throughout the tournament, Sanctorum defeated some of the top football academies and institutions of Kashmir, including Downtown Heroes, Sports Council Football Academy, Ganderbal FC, and DPS Baramulla and lifted the coveted championship title. The league format tested the endurance, tactical awareness, and mental strength of young players over an extended period, and Sanctorum rose to the occasion with remarkable composure and teamwork. “This championship is the result of months of hard work, discipline, and belief shown by our boys," coach of the team, Ramis Ali said. "Playing a league for two months is never easy, but the players remained focused from the first match to the last," he said. He expressed his satisfaction over the commitment, character of the player besides their hunger to improve. "This title belongs to the players who trusted the process and gave their best every single day," Ali said. Chairman Sanctorum Institute Sopore Shakir Ashraf said the victory was not just a trophy but a reflection of their long-term vision of nurturing grassroots football and providing young talent with the right platform. "Sanctorum believes in sports as a powerful tool to shape character, discipline, and purpose among youth. I congratulate our players, coaching staff, and parents for this remarkable achievement," Ashraf said. He thanked Reliance Foundation Youth Sports for organising a professionally managed championship in Kashmir.

Bulawayo, Jan 28: India moved to the top of the Group 2 points table with a convincing win over Zimbabwe in the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup. Meanwhile, Pakistan also took a step towards the semifinals with a solid win over New Zealand. The Group 2 standings after the recent fixtures have set up an enticing contest between India and Pakistan on Sunday.  Pakistan proved they are a force to be reckoned with at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over New Zealand. In a dominant all-round display, Pakistan chased down a modest target of 111 inside 17.1 overs. The big win kept Pakistan in the hunt for a semi-final spot. Though they are currently third in the standings, behind England and India, they have notched a healthy net run rate of +1.484, which may come in handy if there’s a logjam at the top of the table. Electing to field first, Pakistan pacers made the most of the seaming conditions at the Harare Sports Club. Ali Raza got the ball rolling as he trapped Marco Alpe's leg before the wicket. While Raza claimed three wickets for 36 runs in seven overs, Abdul Subhan produced a match-winning spell of 4/11 from his quota of 6.3 overs. For New Zealand, opener Hugo Bogue notched the highest score - a quickfire innings of 36, which included six fours and two maximums. However, the Pakistan bowling attack ensured that the Black Caps didn't have any partnerships going. In the second innings, rising star Sameer Minhas led the chase with a second straight half-century in the competition. Minhas scored an unbeaten 76 and took Pakistan over the finish line with an emphatic six down the ground. India rode on a splendid century from Vihaan Malhotra to register a whopping 204-run victory over Zimbabwe to reclaim their top spot in Group 2 standings. After being asked to bat first, Indian openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stitched together a quick-fire 44-run opening stand. George's departure didn't deter Sooryavanshi as he continued with the onslaught to bring up his half-century. Zimbabwe clawed back some initiative, sending the 14-year-old and Vedant Trivedi back in the hut within the space of five overs. Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu then settled into a fine batting rhythm to steer India clear of any potential danger. The former fired India's first century at the tournament, while Kundu's 61 off 62 deliveries set India on the course for a big score. Khilan A. Patel's 12-ball 30 added to the late fireworks as India finished with 352/8 from their 50 overs. Chasing a daunting total, Zimbabwe lost their openers, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Dhruv Patel, and Brendon Senzere early in the chase. Kian Blignaut and Leeroy Chiwaula attempted to rebuild the Zimbabwean innings, with the latter also bringing up a resilient half-century. But Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan snapped up three wickets each, helping India curtail the Zimbabwe challenge to 148 after a lower-order collapse. The victory means only three teams from Group 2, India, England, and Pakistan, remain in the hunt for the semi-finals spots, with a huge bearing on Sunday's blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan. (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 26: Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur described her Padma Shri honour as a “very big moment” in her career.  Kaur was announced as a Padma Shri awardee on Sunday, joining eight other current and former sportspersons on the 2026 Padma Awards list. Kaur also revealed that her father was the first to receive the call from the President’s House informing the family of the prestigious award, in a video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media. “My dad got a call from the President’s House that this year I am going to receive the Padma Shri Award. So I think it’s a very big moment for me, and I am happy that, before me, my parents got to know," Kaur said in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on Instagram Former India captain, Rohit Sharma too was named in the list of Padma Shri awardee. Rohit, known for his leadership and impressive run, has scored runs at highest level and led India to second T20 World Cup trophy in 2024, along with ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2025. Congratulating him, Kaur said, "Many, many congratulations to him as well — we have seen how hard he has been working, and I think it’s a great moment for him. From the moment I started playing cricket, I have dreamed of winning the World Cup, the Arjuna Award, and then the Padma Shri. This is a very big achievement for me.” The list of honored sports figures included Savita Punia, the goalkeeper of the Indian women’s hockey team, whose consistency and leadership have helped India regain its place on the international stage. Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel also received the Padma Shri for their achievements in sports. The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors and celebrate excellence and service in various fields. With honorees from cricket, tennis, and hockey this year, the 2026 awards showcased the growing strength and influence of Indian sports on the global stage. (IANS)

Vadodara, Jan 21: After leading her team, Delhi Capitals, to the second victory of Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 with a commanding half-century, captain Jemimah Rodrigues praised Marizanne Kapp's outstanding Power-play spell that set the tone for their victory over Mumbai Indians.  Delhi built a strong foundation with the ball, led by an impressive performance from Marizanne Kapp. Kapp was exceptional at the start, bowling 16 dot balls. She gave away just eight runs in her four overs and did not allow a single boundary. Her control, alongside Nandani Sharma, left Mumbai struggling at 23/2 during the Powerplay, with Sajana (9) and Hayley Matthews (12) getting out early. "Today was a very important game for us. I want to share this award with Kappy (Marizanne Kapp). I even asked if I could do that. The way she bowled in the Power-play got us into the game. It was one of the best spells she ever bowled. She is a legend of the game, but she still wants to become better," said Rodrigues after the match. On the bowling side for Delhi, N. Sree Charani stood out. She took three wickets for 33 runs, including two wickets in the 18th over, to help keep the Mumbai team to a low score of 154/5. Kapp provided assistance with a 1-wicket for 8 runs effort to keep the Mumbai total to below expectations. After a perfect start to the chase from Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma, Rodrigues 51 off 37 deliveries was key to Delhi's win. She added a quick 31 runs off mere 17 deliveries, partnering with Kapp, which came mostly in doubles. She said that sharp running between the wickets and giving herself time early were central to building the innings on a challenging surface. "Even when she came in, I thought what set our partnership was the running between the wickets. I think I have had a few conversations with the few people I trust. They have all told me to take some time initially. I have played a lot on pitches like this. So it is about getting through the first 10 balls. So I know if I do that, batting becomes easy." Earlier, after suffering early jolts, the Mumbai Indians were able to create stability through their known strengths Nat Sciver-Brunt showed her loyalty once again by being a key part of the Mumbai innings with an unbeaten 65 runs from 45 deliveries, while the captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, provided a solid performance with a score of 41. They both added 78 runs, which was the key to Mumbai's respectable total. Rodrigues felt anything under 160 was chaseable, provided partnerships were stitched together, and added that she drew lessons from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur’s approach while batting. "We knew that anything under 160 was a fighting score. But we would need partnerships. I learnt a little bit from Nat (Sciver-Brunt) and Harmanpreet Kaur) too, from the way they played (tonight)." (IANS)

Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states  along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.

New Delhi, Jan 17: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has questioned the Ashes selection calls, saying he is still unable to understand why Josh Inglis was preferred over Beau Webster during the series.  Despite making an impressive start to his Test career, including a match-winning performance on debut during last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale, Webster was left out of Australia’s starting XI for November’s Ashes opener in Perth, with fellow all-rounder Cameron Green taking his spot at No. 6. The 32-year-old was also sidelined for the following two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide, with national selectors instead calling up reserve wicketkeeper Inglis, who posted scores of 23, 32 and 10 batting at No. 7. Webster finally got a chance during the New Year’s Ashes Test at the SCG, where he scored an unbeaten 71 and took three wickets with his part-time off spin. “At the start I was surprised they went with Inglis ahead of Beau. With the selectors, I know they look very deeply into data with these things. There must have been something there; a metric and Inglis must have better numbers. But I can’t figure out how they did that, to be honest," Ponting told SEN Tassie. Ponting suggested the decision was puzzling, especially given Webster’s form and ability to offer greater balance to the side, and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the Ashes. “I was surprised, but every time I see Beau play, he just continues to put forward a case as to why he should be in the side. Now we know an opportunity has come up at No. 5 with Usman Khawaja not there. I can’t see any world in which Travis Head doesn’t continue as opener, so maybe it’s Beau’s chance to grab that No. 5 spot. “He may not be the flashiest or the most stylish, but he’s a gamer. He knows what has to happen in situations, ball or field. It will be hard to leave him out going forward," Ponting added. Last week, Webster had confessed he was “disappointed” to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign. (IANS)

Srinagar, Jan 11: Fauz e Azeem, popularly known by his in-game name Kalyug, has achieved a historic milestone in Indian e-sports. He became the only e-sports player from Kashmir to be nominated by Krafton Esports India at its first-ever award show, under the prestigious Rookie E-sports Player of the Year category. The award ceremony was held in Mumbai, bringing together the biggest names in Indian gaming. Fauz-e-Azeem’s nomination is the result of years of consistent performance, discipline, and resilience in the highly competitive Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) ecosystem. Having played BGMI since its inception, he steadily rose through the ranks, earning respect as a clutch performer and team player on the national stage. Over the past few seasons, Fauz-e-Azeem has delivered standout results across major LAN and national tournaments including Sky Realme LAN Championship and also achieved overall 17th rank in BGIS 2023 and 8th rank in BMPS LAN besides being recognised at the most valuable player securing rank 4. These achievements place him among India’s most promising emerging talents and underline his ability to perform under high-pressure LAN environments—an area where only the most composed players thrive. Fauz-e-Azeem’s journey is more than a personal success story. It represents a breakthrough moment for Kashmir’s gaming and youth community. Competing from a region with limited infrastructure and exposure, his rise to national recognition sends a powerful message—that talent from Kashmir can compete and shine at the highest levels of Indian e-sports. His nomination by Krafton Esports India not only validates his individual excellence but also opens doors for aspiring gamers from the region, encouraging them to pursue e-sports as a legitimate and respected career path. With his growing experience, consistent LAN performances, and national recognition, Fauz-e-Azeem “Kalyug” is widely seen as a player to watch in upcoming BGMI seasons. As Indian e-sports continues to expand, his journey stands as an inspiration—proof that passion, perseverance, and performance can overcome geographical and structural barriers.

Shabroz Malik Srinagar, Jan 11: Women cyclists from Baramulla district delivered commendable performances at the Khelo India Asmita Women’s League, held in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from January 10 to 11 of this year This marked the first-ever participation of the Jammu and Kashmir women’s cycling team in the prestigious national event. Mehak Mushtaq finished 12th in the 30 km Time Trial and secured 13th place in the 60 km Mass Start despite suffering a crash during the race, officials said. Ulfat Mushtaq achieved 10th place in the 30 km Time Trial and 11th position in the 60 km Mass Start. Another rider from the district, Hoor-i-ein Lone, finished 16th overall. In other notable performances, Sofia Hilal and Sobiya Manzoor secured 7th and 8th positions respectively in their events, adding to Baramulla’s strong showing at the league. Officials and sports bodies hailed the performances as a significant milestone for women’s sports in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that all participating riders represented District Baramulla. The debut participation of the J&K women’s cycling team in the Khelo India Asmita League was described as a historic step towards greater representation of women athletes from the region at the national level. The performances have brought recognition to Baramulla district and are expected to encourage more young women in Jammu and Kashmir to take up competitive sports, particularly cycling, officials added.

New Delhi, Jan 10: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and Transport, Satish Sharma Saturday met with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and projected several issues and initiatives related  to sports upgradation aiming transformation of Jammu and Kashmir into a national hub of sports excellence. The Minister submitted a comprehensive Memorandum outlining  an ambitious, multi-sectoral roadmap to upgrade sports infrastructure, promote youth engagement, generate employment and position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for sports tourism and high-performance training. He highlighting cricket was a passion for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and sought sanction of international-standard cricket stadiums at Srinagar and Jammu. He stated that the absence of such facilities has long restricted the region from hosting national and international fixtures. He emphasized that these stadiums would not only revive top level cricket in the UT but also boost tourism and inspire a new generation of athletes. The Minister also proposed creation of a Border Sports Development Circuit spanning Kathua–Samba, Akhnoor–Chhamb, Poonch–Nowshera–Rajouri, Uri–Baramulla–Kupwara and Karnah–Gurez, aimed at harnessing the sporting talent of youth living in border and far-flung areas. He sought special grants for development of Dangal Akharas, cycling tracks, hockey and football fields besides provision of sports equipment in all border panchayats to strengthen grassroots sports and youth engagement. To promote employment through sports, Satish Sharma requested for a financial support of ₹600 crore over five years for establishing 10 Border Sports & Employment Hubs (BS-EH), five each in Jammu and Kashmir, equipped with multi-sport facilities, skill training classrooms and residential infrastructure. He also proposed a Border Youth Sports Apprenticeship Programme with an outlay of ₹300 crore, a Coaches & Trainers Wage Support Scheme of ₹150 crore and a High-Altitude & Winter Sports Livelihood Programme of ₹120 crore for areas like Gurez, Tangdhar and Teetwal. The Minister laid special emphasis on water and winter sports, seeking establishment of a National Water Sports Centre of Excellence at Basohli (Kathua) by upgrading the world-class facility at Ranjit Sagar Dam. He also proposed declaring Jammu & Kashmir as India’s National Hub for Paddle and Water Sports, leveraging its unparalleled natural water resources. Satish Sharma further sought revival of the Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium Project at Hiranagar, whose upgradation had been sanctioned earlier but stalled due to external impediments. He requested the Union Ministry’s intervention to remove obstacles and ensure completion of the project, calling it a landmark for the Jammu region. To optimally utilise the growing sports infrastructure in J&K, the Minister proposed a Special Coaches Engagement Scheme for hiring qualified national and international-level coaches on contract basis, especially in priority disciplines like gymnastics, water sports, winter sports and cricket. He also called for regularisation and utilisation of registered NYCs as a skilled human resource base in sports. He recognised the need for quality accommodation to host national and international sporting events and sought development of modern Youth Hostels at Jammu and Srinagar under the Khelo India framework to boost sports tourism and training capacity. Satish Sharma also called for expediting the long-pending National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg, seeking direct facilitation for engagement of international consultants and release of funds to the J&K Sports Council to kick-start this landmark project. Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma said that Jammu and Kashmir has immense untapped sporting potential and world-class natural advantages. “With focused national support, our youth can become champions on the global stage while sports can become a powerful engine of employment, tourism and regional development,” he said. The Minister expressed confidence that the proposals, aligned with the Khelo India vision and National Sports Development Agenda, would help establish Jammu and Kashmir as a leading sporting destination and talent hub of India.