STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a monumental achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Territory’s volleyball team created history by clinching the championship trophy at the ongoing 7th Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), currently being held in Bihar.
The JKUT squad triumphed over a tough Uttar Pradesh side in a thrilling final match, marking the first time ever that the region has secured this prestigious title, ushering in a new era of sporting excellence in J&K.
The final clash was a nail-biting contest, where J&K UT emerged victorious with a 3-1 set win. The final scoreline stood at 35-33, 19-25, 25-17, 25-21-reflecting the intense competition and JKUT’s remarkable resilience and tactical superiority. This historic win stands as a testament to the team’s discipline, determination, and the extraordinary teamwork that guided them through the tournament.
Among the standout performers were Akash Manhas, Sahib Kaler, Wani Mahir, Nitin, Sahil Shameem, Mohit, and Kunal-each of whom played a pivotal role in the team’s unbeaten run after the league stage. Their combination of skill, stamina, and on-court intelligence proved decisive throughout the tournament.
Leading the charge was Captain Wani Mahir, whose calm leadership and consistent play inspired the entire squad. Mahir’s ability to motivate and guide the team under pressure, especially in high-stakes moments like the semifinals and final, was widely praised.
JKUT’s journey to the title was paved with exceptional performances. Their campaign began with a dramatic five-set thriller against Uttarakhand, where they overcame early setbacks to clinch the match 3-2. After losing the first (18-25) and third (16-25) sets, the team bounced back with fierce determination, winning the second (25-20), fourth (27-25), and the decider (15-9) in style.
In their next league match, the team displayed dominance against host state Bihar, registering a clean 3-0 victory with scores of 25-21, 25-19, and 25-23. However, their league-stage encounter against Uttar Pradesh served as a wake-up call. Despite a spirited fight, JKUT lost 3-1 but used the experience to bounce back stronger.
In the semifinals, JKUT showed maturity and skill, defeating Manipur in straight sets-25-22, 25-20, 25-23-to earn a historic place in the finals. The team entered the championship clash with renewed energy and turned the tables against Uttar Pradesh, whom they had lost to earlier.
The team’s success has been attributed to a well-structured pre-tournament coaching camp held at MA Stadium, Jammu, under the guidance of Head Coach Naresh Kumar (DYSS), assisted by Prateek Kumar (SAI Jammu) and Shubham Sharma (DYSS Akhnoor). Subhash Kumar Sharma, the team manager, ensured smooth coordination. The camp was organized by the J&K Sports Council, led by Divisional Sports Officer (Jammu) Balbir Singh, and included rigorous training in modern techniques and game strategies.
The Volleyball Association of J&K, under the leadership of Patron Raj Daluja and President Sidharth Daluja, extended gratitude to Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, for her unwavering support. They also acknowledged the contribution of the SAI J&K team for their role in the team’s development.
Prominent volleyball officials including CEO Kuldip Magotra, Executive Vice President HS Gill, Treasurer Ramesh Sharma, and General Secretary V.K. Magotra conveyed their congratulations, expressing confidence that the team will continue this momentum in future national-level competitions.
This landmark victory not only brings pride to Jammu & Kashmir but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across the Union Territory.
The 14-member squad consisted of promising talents from across Jammu and Kashmir: Sahib Kalear, Akash Manhas, Ganik Sharma, Sahil Shamim, Nasir Ajaz Sofi, Karan Rajput, Nitin, Wani Mahir, Abid Gulzar, Bilal Ahmed, Sandeep Singh, Mohit Singh, Kunal Goran, and Rehan Parvez.