| News Details |
| Asmita League 2025 kick started in Srinagar | | A Celebration of Women, Waves and Willpower at Pokhribal water sports club | 
Srinagar, October 11 (Scoop News)-The Asmita League 2025 was declared open at *water sports club Pokhribal* amid enthusiasm, applause and a vibrant display of women’s sporting spirit. The event marked a new chapter in the promotion of water sports and women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Kayaking and Canoeing under the aegis of the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, the league is an initiative of the Khelo India Movement, supported by the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The event aims to celebrate women’s empowerment through sports and provide a strong platform for female athletes to showcase their strength, skill and determination.
The opening ceremony began with the Women’s K-1 races, symbolising courage, confidence and commitment on water. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Mr. Martand Singh, Scion of the Dogra Royal Family and Trustee, Hari Tara Charitable Trust, said: “It fills my heart with pride to witness the girls of Jammu & Kashmir embracing the waters with courage and conviction. Sports like kayaking and canoeing not only build strength but also nurture discipline and teamwork, qualities that define true champions and responsible citizens of tomorrow.”
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Mehmood Shah, Managing Director, Power Development Department, said, “Empowering our youth through sports is the most powerful way to illuminate the future of our nation. I salute the organizers especially Bilquis Mir for creating this platform that celebrates women in sports and inspires every young mind to dream beyond limitations.”
The Commanding Officer, 161 Battalion CRPF, Shri Balihar Singh, said, “Our forces always stand for strength, unity and determination, the same virtues that shine through in every athlete today. I congratulate each participant for showing extraordinary willpower and team spirit. You are the real strength of our country.” While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shafqat Watali, Former IGP and President, J&K Association of Kayaking and Canoeing, said, “Water sports have immense potential in Jammu and Kashmir. Our rivers and lakes are not just gifts of nature, they are training grounds for future Olympians. Through consistent effort and community participation, we can make J&K a hub of aquatic excellence.”
Earlier welcoming the guests Dr. Burhan Bazaz, President, J&K Association of Rowing and Sculling said, “This league is a celebration of dedication, inclusivity and perseverance. I am delighted to see such overwhelming participation, especially from young women who are breaking barriers and redefining possibilities in sports.” He further added that Mohsin Ali, winner of the Gold Medal in the recently held Khelo India Water Sports, is a proud product of the Water Sports Club Pokhribal, who received professional training at Pokhribal and was appreciated recently by honourable Prime Minister “Shri Narendar Modi ji” in Mann Ke Baat. We need thousands of such water sports athletes to be trained at Pokhribal,” Dr. Burhan emphasized.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Ms. Bilquis Mir, the first woman from J&K to represent India in water sports, said, “I began my journey with a dream and faced countless waves along the way, today, seeing these young athletes carry that dream forward fills me with emotion and pride. Let us continue to paddle together toward a stronger, more confident and united Jammu and Kashmir.” The other eminent personalities present included Mr. Latief Ahmad, CEO, Colour Curve, and Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, University of Kashmir, who hosted the proceedings.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahid Ali Khan emphasized the importance of developing a strong foundation for water sports in Jammu and Kashmir. “We need to own water sports and train our students right from the beginning to the next level. Schools and colleges must adopt adventure sports as part of their curriculum. It can pave the way for our youth to excel at national and international platforms,” he said.
The winners of the Asmita League 2025 will now move on to the Zonal Level, and the champions from there will compete at the National Water Sports Championships. The event ended with loud cheers, great energy and a strong spirit of determination that filled the air. It was a true celebration of talent and a reflection of how women are becoming stronger and more confident through sports. The Asmita League has shown that Jammu and Kashmir is fast emerging as a centre of excellence in water sports where young people are turning their passion into purpose and moving confidently toward a brighter future.
... |
| |
|
|
Share this Story |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|