New Delhi, Jan 8: A prominent member of India's shooting coaching staff, Ankush Bhardwaj has been suspended by the national federation over the accusations of sexual harassment leveled by a minor shooter. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) has confirmed that an FIR has been filed against Bhardwaj in Faridabad. "NRAI has suspended him and we will issue a show-cause notice," NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia said. "He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity," he added. Bhatia said NRAI had recommended Bhardwaj for a place in the 37-strong coaching team after the Paris Olympics in 2024. "It was on the recommendation of the NRAI that he was appointed by SAI as one of the coaches. It is a case of sexual harassment which happened in Surajkund," said Bhatia. Bhatia did not say when the incident took place but according to the FIR filed by the victim, she was targetted last month after a training session at the Karni Singh Range. The girl, who has been training with Bhardwaj since August last year, stated that she was left traumatised by the incident and spoke up in front of her mother on January 1 after being persistently probed. Bhardwaj, a former pistol shooter, had served a doping ban in 2010 for the use of a beta-blocker during his competitive days. (PTI)

Dhaka, Jan 7: Bangladesh government's sports advisor Asif Nazrul has said that he will do his best to convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the country's match venues, calling out the highest body for failing to understand the situation's gravity. The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh. On Monday, the Bangladesh government ordered the suspension of the broadcast of all matches of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season amid the controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. "We sat together with the BCB directors—Aminul Islam, Faruque bhai and everyone else. Today we discussed the situation and we all agreed that Bangladesh earned qualification for the T20 World Cup through hard work. We are a cricket-crazy nation, and we definitely want to play," Nazrul was quoted by Cricbuzz as saying. "But we do not want to play the World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, at the cost of the security of our cricketers, spectators and journalists, or at the cost of the country's dignity. After reading the letter we received from the ICC today, it felt to us that they have not fully understood the serious security situation that has developed in India for Bangladeshi cricketers," he said. The decision comes after Rahman was released from the IPL following instructions issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), triggering widespread debate and criticism in Bangladesh. Following Rahman’s release, the BCB convened an emergency board meeting and has also approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking the relocation of Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from India, citing safety and security concerns. "To me, it does not feel like only a security issue - it feels like an issue of national humiliation as well. Still, we are primarily treating it as a security issue. When the Indian cricket board itself is telling the Kolkata team that they cannot provide security to this player (Mustafizur) and asking them to drop him from the team - that alone shows there is no environment in India where it is safe to play," he said. "We do not want to go into the wider communal situation in India. But when it comes to the security of our cricketers, the security of Bangladesh, and the honour and dignity of Bangladesh - there will be no compromise. We want to play cricket, we want to play the World Cup, and since there is another host country, Sri Lanka, we want to play there. We are firm on this position. Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clarified that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured it of Bangladesh’s continued and unhindered involvement in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, firmly rejecting media reports that suggested the Board was issued an ultimatum. In a statement released following formal correspondence with the ICC, the BCB said the world governing body responded to its concerns about the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India, including the request to relocate the team’s matches. According to the BCB, the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s participation and expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the Board on security-related matters. "Why we are firm on this position? We hope we will be able to explain that to the ICC. And we hope the ICC will consider our arguments impartially and allow us to play in the T20 World Cup that we have earned through hard work," he said. "Our first stand is to convince the ICC. We have strong arguments and we will convince them with those arguments. The core principle of our stand is that on the question of Bangladesh's security, Bangladesh's honour and Bangladesh's dignity, there will be no compromise. But we definitely want to play the Cricket World Cup," Nazrul said. (IANS)

Suhail KhanTangmarg, Dec 5: Zubair Lone of Qazipora, Tangmarg, has made national sporting history by becoming the first Indian snowboarder to qualify for the FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup.Rising from the slopes of Gulmarg, Lone will now compete among the worlds top alpine snowboarders, transforming a local passion into a global breakthrough and paving a new path for Indian winter sports.Kashmir based newspaper Kashmir Convener reported that Lone will represent India at the season-opening event at the Mylin Ski Resort in China on December 6 and 7. The competition will feature the worlds top one hundred alpine snowboard athletes."I grew up in Tangmarg and Gulmarg, where snow shapes every season and daily life. Today, I stand on the world stage for India with a clear focus: to put India on the global snowboarding map," Lone said.I carry both responsibility and pride when I wear the national flag, he added.My immediate target is to finish among the top thirty-two athletes, which is crucial for qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics.Lone emphasized that his rigorous training has focused on technique, equipment, and fitness. He noted that his World Cup entry not only raises the competitive standard for Indian athletes but also opens a pathway for others to pursue elite snowboarding.Notably, the China event carries significant weight for qualification to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Fourteen subsequent World Cup events across Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Canada, Poland, Slovenia, and Bulgaria will determine the final rankings. Only the top thirty-two athletes across the series will secure Olympic berths, with each race impacting critical qualification points.

KS News DeskGuwahati, Nov 26 (PTI): Under-fire India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday said it was up to the BCCI to decide his future after the Test series whitewash against South Africa but also reminded everyone of the success the team has achieved in his eventful tenure.Gambhir was speaking after the humiliating 408-run drubbing at the hands of South Africa in the second Test here Wednesday, which gave the visitors a 2-0 series sweep."It is up to the BCCI to decide. I have said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach. Indian cricket is important, I am not important. And I sit here and say exactly the same thing," Gambhir was terse as usual at the post-match press conference."And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I am the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I am sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand (home series whitewash last year). And I am the same guy who won the Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup as well," Gambhir reminded.The combative response to the question on his future aside, Gambhir said he would not try to dodge the blame for the debacle against a very well-prepared South Africa."The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," he conceded in his first reactions after the 0-2 drubbing."We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he added.Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of their 18 Tests, including whitewashes against New Zealand last year and South Africa now at home.Gambhir has also attracted criticism for frequent changes in the team and his inclination to focus on all-rounders at the expense of specialists in the traditional format.He insisted that in Test cricket, a man with limited talent but tough mindset can trump prodigal talent on any given day."Red ball cricket is a completely different challenge to white ball cricket. There needs to be a different skill set. And more importantly, there need to be tough characters that are important to be a successful Test side," the former southpaw said."You don't need the most skillful and the most flamboyant players to succeed in Test cricket. You need the toughest characters with limited skills who will go on to succeed in Test cricket, irrespective of how the conditions and what the situation is," Gambhir said.Asked why India have not done well against quality spin attacks on slightly challenging tracks since the series against New Zealand, Gambhir insisted the team's core composition, which featured Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, was different at that time."Look, first of all, the series against New Zealand, we had a very different side," one could gauge where this was going."And this is a very different side. I am sure you guys cover a lot of cricket and I am sure when you see this batting line-up, the experience of that batting line-up to what this team has is chalk and cheese."So comparing everything to New Zealand is probably a wrong narrative," he was slightly agitated as he answered.And then he went on to cite the inexperience of the current line-up."I do not give excuses. I have never done that in the past. I will never do it in the future as well. But four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Tests and they will grow. They are learning on the job and on the field," he said."Test cricket is never easy when you're playing against a top quality side. So you've got to give them time as well. So, for me, I think that is something they'll keep learning. Hopefully, they keep learning. That is important."Transition is a word that he "hates" but acknowledged that this is exactly what the side is going through right now."They need time to keep getting better against quality attacks and against quality sides. Yes, this is a team which has less experience and I've said it before as well, they need to keep learning and they're putting everything possible to turn the tide," he said.

KS News Desk Baramulla, Nov 7: Anantnag Rebels on Friday clinched the title of General Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Womens Premier League (KWPL) 2025 by defeating Game Swingers Baramulla on Home ground- General Bipin Rawat stadium Baramulla.The cricket tournament commenced on October 29 of 2025 with the participation of 16 teams including eight professional teams and eight teams from the amateur side.The cricket tournament was organised in the memory of Indias first Chief of Defence Staff, Late General Bipin Rawat which was jointly supported by the Indian Army, Baramulla Cricket Forum, and District Administration Baramulla."It was a collective effort to and commitment for promotion of peace, cricketing talent and inclusion through sports," one of the organisers said.During the finals, Anantnag Rebels emerged as victorious by defeating Game Swingers Baramulla by nine wickets.While setting the target Baramulla scored 140 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 20 overs.While chasing the target the openers from Anantnag Rebels made a good start which helped the  team to lift the victory easily against the opponents.Anantnag Rebels chased the score in 15 overs and lost only one wicket.Rubiya from Anantnag Rebels was felicitated as the Best batter, Man of the Match and Player of the tournament.Meanwhile, in the Amateur League, Army Goodwill School (AGS) Uri lifted the trophy by defeating, government girls higher Secondary School Baramulla.Sania Rashid was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for her extraordinary performance.The finals and post match presentation ceremony was attended by GOC Dagger Division Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh. Other senior officers from the Indian Army, youth leader Touseef Raina and other senior citizens from Baramulla town were also present at the occasion.In his address, chairman Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF) Abdul Khaliq Wani said the General Bipin Rawat Memorial KWPL has captured the spirit of Kashmir."The enthusiasm and skill shown by these young women reflect a bright future for sports in the Valley," he said.

Naveed Ul HaqSrinagar, Oct 22: Demonstrating her consistency on the chessboard, Minha Ayaz Wani once again brought recognition to Kashmir by winning the 'Best Female Player' award at the 5th AICF Chess for Everyone Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2025.This event took place at the Indoor Sports Complex, Polo Ground, Srinagar.The national-level tournament, organised by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, featured about 200 players from across the country, including seniors, juniors, men, and women.This made the competition both tough and exciting.Minha showed remarkable composure and skill throughout the tournament, earning 5.5 points out of 9 rounds.She won three games, drew five two of which were against rated opponents and lost only one. Her strong overall performance earned her a cash prize and a trophy.The 18-year-old's success reflects the increasing presence of Kashmiri talent in the national chess scene.Minha s achievements have not only raised her profile but also inspired many young players, especially girls, to pursue chess with passion and confidence.Previously, Minha had established herself as one of Kashmir s most successful young chess players. She won two gold medals at the national level, earned three gold medals in state championships, and consistently secured gold medals across inter-district, district, and zonal tournaments, a record that highlights her dedication and skill in the sport from a young age. (KNO)

Shabroz MalikSrinagar, Sept 29: In a significant development, a student of Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) Soliha Zahoor bagged a gold medal in the Inter district UT level cycling competition.The cycling event was held at Narbal, Budgam in under-14 and under-19 girls category.As per the school handout, the performance of Soliha Zahoor has been appreciated by the management of the institution."Her victory not only showcases her individual excellence but also the culture of discipline, encouragement, and sporting spirit that Green Valley Educational Institute continues to foster among its students," the handout reads.The cycling competition was organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) which witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across Jammu and Kashmir.The boys' race was flagged off from Gagarpora Staff Narbal to Kunzar Tangmarg, while the girls race concluded at Petrol Pump Magam.District Youth Services and Sports Officer Budgam Ghulam Hassan Lone as the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony while Sub Inspector (SI) Police Post Narbal, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, and other officials were also present during felicitation ceremony in which the winners were rewarded with prizes and certificates.Chairman GVEI Mohammad Yousuf Wani extended his heartfelt congratulations to Soliha and praised her determination and hard work."She is an  inspiration for her peers and a shining example of what the students of Green Valley can achieve," he said.He further said that the institute has always encouraged its students to aim high in academics as well as co-curricular fields."Soliha s success reflects this enduring legacy," he added.

KS News DeskBaramulla, Sept 15: Saint Josephs Higher Secondary School Baramulla Monday organized the Fr. Jim Bose Memorial Inter-School Sports Day.The event was organised with great enthusiasm and participation from reputed institutions including Burn Hall School Srinagar, Presentation Convent School Srinagar and the host institution.The event witnessed energetic performances and healthy competition among students, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.Principal Saint Josephs School Baramulla Fr. Britto in his address boosted the morale and performance of the students.He appreciated the dedication and enthusiasm of the students, acknowledging their hard work and achievements and extended heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their valuable contributions, which made the event a remarkable success.The Principal emphasized the importance of collective efforts and encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence in academics, co-curricular activities, and personal growth.Fr. Stallin Raja who was the chief guest at the occasion appreciated the efforts of the young participants and congratulated the schools for fostering such an encouraging platform.In his address to students, he emphasised the importance of sports in building a healthy lifestyle and urged them to take part in such activities with dedication.As per the handout issued here, the event concluded with cheers of joy, recognition of participants, and a renewed commitment to promoting physical fitness and unity through sports.

KS News Desk Srinagar, Jul 26: The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports under-19 girls football tournament commenced at Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) Srinagar.The inaugural day witnessed an action-packed start with three matches played, setting the tone for the tournament which will continue for two weeks.In the inaugural matches, Comrade F C maintained dominance throughout the game and scored 15 goals against team of Woodlands School who could not score a single goal till the last minutes of the game.In another match, Downtown Heroes displayed their dominance by defeating SRM Welkin school by scoring six goals. The opponent team did not score a single goal in the match.In the last match of the day, team from Kashmir Harvard school defeated GVEI with 20 win.Speaking on the occasion, Chairman GVEI Mohammed Yusuf Wani, expressed his delight for hosting the tournament event.It is a privilege for our school to provide a platform for young girls to showcase their talent in football. Such tournaments are vital in nurturing sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence among our youth. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote holistic growth through sports, he said.

KS News Desk Baramulla, July 28: Aesthetic Era Gym Bandipora once again proved its dominance in the world of strength sports by delivering a stellar performance at the Baramulla Powerlifting Championship 2025.The powerhouse team secured two overall titles, eight gold medals, and six silver medals, lifting the championship trophy and continuing their unstoppable winning streak.The event, organized by the Sports Association of Jammu and Kashmir, featured participation from over 80 athletes representing districts across the region.Amid tough competition, Aesthetic Era Gym rose above with consistent and commanding performances across multiple weight categories reinforcing its reputation as one of the most successful gyms in the Union Territory.The mastermind behind this ongoing legacy is Peerzada Aqeel, founder and head coach of the gym.A celebrated name in the fitness world, Aqeel is a six time overall powerlifting champion and holds the prestigious title of Mr. Kashmir in bodybuilding.His dedication, leadership, and passion have turned Aesthetic Era Gym into a powerhouse of discipline, strength, and purpose.Speaking after the win, Peerzada Aqeel shared a powerful message: We have been winning for the last four years every district, every event, without fail. This isnt hype, its hard work. These victories are the result of years of consistent grind, sacrifice, and belief. I started this gym to give our youth a platform not just to lift weights, but to lift their potential. This win belongs to every lifter who refused to quit and chose greatness over excuses.With this major victory, Aesthetic Era Gym Bandipora has once again brought pride to the district, while inspiring a new generation of athletes across Jammu and Kashmir.This is not just about trophies ,it is about building a legacy and the Aesthetic Era Gym is just getting started.

KS News Desk Baramulla, Jul 23: The newly elected President Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF) Gulam ud din Shalla, and General Secretary Zubair Ahmad Dar, were administered oath at Dak Bungalow Baramulla.The oath was administered by Chairman of Varmul Civil Society, Tariq Ahmad Magloo.Chairman BCF Abdul Khaliq Wani, President of Bar Association Advocate Nelofar Masood, former Manager Sports Council Sheikh Mushtaq, President of Baramulla Sports Association Omar Kakroo, MS Bhat group Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Imtiaz Ahmad President Contractor Association, Aqib Nabi current Ranji Trophy player, cricket associations of Sopore, Pattan, Andergam and many others including various team managers and captains besides Auqaf Islamia Baramulla were present at the occasion.The newly elected office bearers assured the gathering of their commitment to developing cricket infrastructure, promoting the sport, and conducting activities with transparency, accountability, and dedication.With a renewed vision, Baramulla Cricket Forum aims to uplift cricket in the region by identifying and nurturing young talent, improving existing infrastructure, and organizing regular tournaments and coaching camps."We strive to create a platform where cricketers can showcase their skills and achieve excellence," General Secretary BCF Zubair Dar said in his address.The forum also plans to collaborate with local stakeholders, sports organizations, and government agencies to secure funding and support for cricket development programs."By working together, we can take Baramulla's cricket to new heights and provide opportunities for our youth to excel in the sport," Dar added.

KS News DeskSrinagar, June 18: The Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPE&S), University of Kashmir (KU) on Wednesday organised an Inter-Department Road Race for Men and Women.The event was held to develop a spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and gender inclusivity among students and the event drew enthusiastic participation from various teaching departments and satellite campuses, filling the early morning air with energy and competitive spirit.The mens race began from the historic Nishat Garden and the womens race from scenic Shalimar Ghat, both culminating at the Universitys Rumi Gate. The races were flagged off by Dr. Surjeet Singh, Coordinator, DPE&S. KU.Addressing the participants, Director, Directorate of Distance Education and Online Learning KU Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chishti felicitated the winners at the occasion.In his address, he said such events play a vital role in student development and encouraged youth to actively engage in competitive sports.Dr. Surjeet Singh, Coordinator, DPE&S KU, lauded the determination of participants and said that the enthusiastic participation today reflects the growing culture of sporting.The event concluded with a medal distribution ceremony, and Sajid Yousuf, Football Coach at DPE&S, conducted the proceedings.