| News Details |
| Saliq bin Farooq Clinches Gold at Khelo India Beach Games | | 
Srinagar, January 12 (Scoop News)-Saliq bin Farooq of Macan Kumbak Ellahi Bagh Stadium, Srinagar, delivered a stellar performance by clinching the gold medal in the 65–70 kg weight category at the 2nd Edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026, held in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu from January 5 to January 11, 2026.
On his path to the top podium, Saliq showcased exceptional skill, composure, and tactical brilliance throughout the competition. He secured a convincing victory in the quarter-final against Sudarshan K of Tamil Nadu, followed by a strong showing in the semi-final against Sheikh Arbaaj of Chhattisgarh. In the final bout, Saliq clinched the gold medal after defeating Ashish Kumar Singh of Delhi, sealing a memorable triumph for Jammu & Kashmir.
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026, organised by the Union Territory Administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, are being conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the respective National Sports Federations. The second edition of the Games witnessed the participation of over 1,100 athletes competing across eight beach sports disciplines, making it one of the largest beach sporting events in the country.
Expressing his happiness after the victory, Saliq bin Farooq credited his coach and support system, stating,
“I am extremely grateful to my coach, Coach Mohd Iqbal, whose constant guidance, motivation, and training have played a crucial role in my performance. This gold medal is a result of his dedication and belief in me.”
Sharing his experience at the national event, he added,
“Competing at the Khelo India Beach Games was a wonderful experience. Pencak Silat is growing rapidly across India, and it is encouraging to see so many positive stories emerging from the sport.”
Saliq also acknowledged the sustained efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, particularly highlighting the role of Ms. Nuzhat Gull, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, in strengthening sports infrastructure and ensuring that opportunities reach youth at the grassroots level, enabling young athletes to excel on national platforms.
The Jammu & Kashmir contingent, supported and sponsored by the J&K Sports Council, delivered an outstanding overall performance at the Games, securing two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal across various disciplines. Adding to this historic achievement, the contingent was crowned Overall Men’s Champions in Pencak Silat, marking one of the finest performances by a northern state in coastal combat sports.
Congratulating the athletes, Shri Satish Sharma, Hon’ble Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, lauded the contingent for making the region proud. He stated that such achievements reflect the discipline, resilience, and positive energy of J&K’s youth, adding that sports play a vital role in promoting health, harmony, and peace across the Union Territory. The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and creating a supportive ecosystem for athletes to succeed at national and international levels.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also hailed the stellar performance of the J&K contingent. In a tweet, he congratulated the athletes for their impressive medal tally and for emerging as Overall Men’s Champions in Pencak Silat, stating that these achievements are a testament to the growing strength of sports culture in Jammu & Kashmir.
The J&K Sports Council extended heartfelt congratulations to the medal winners, coaches, and support staff, noting that the results underline the effectiveness of focused training, institutional support, and sustained investment in sports development. The Council reiterated that athletes from Jammu & Kashmir are now competing with confidence and consistency against the country’s best.
Saliq bin Farooq’s gold medal victory in the 65–70 kg category stands as a significant milestone for Kashmir’s sporting fraternity and further highlights the steady rise of Pencak Silat as a competitive sport in India, reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir’s growing prominence on the national sports map.
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