Mithun Manhas becomes BCCI President
Former Delhi and J&K captain, son of the soil Mithun Manhas was elected as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM). His nomination was backed strongly by the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), marking a rare moment of recognition for a region traditionally on the margins of Indian cricket. The former middle-order batter brings with him a formidable playing record. between 1997-98 and 2016-17, Manhas featured in 157 first-class, 130 List A and 55 IPL matches. He amassed 9,714 first-class runs at an average of 45.82, including 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. His standout season came in 2007-08 when he scored 921 runs, playing a pivotal role in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy triumph. Manhas also represented three IPL franchises – Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors India, and Chennai Super Kings. Post-retirement, he remained closely involved in cricket as a coach and administrator, known for his calm temperament and focus on grassroots development.
Para athletes Sheetal, Rakesh, Chandeep, Anita make J&K proud
The Jammu & Kashmir para athletes achieved notable success in 2025 across archery, shooting, and swimming events. Standout performances included gold medals at national and world levels, highlighting the region’s growing para-sports prowess. Sheetal Devi, J&K’s prominent para archer, won gold in the Compound Women category at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in New Delhi and a historic Gold at the 2025 World Para Archery Championship. Rakesh Kumar earned Bronze in Compound Men archery at the same Khelo India event, while Anita Kumari from Rajouri secured bronze in the 10M Air Pistol Para Shooting. Chandeep Singh from Jammu clinched two bronze medals at the 25th Para National Swimming Championship in Hyderabad, showcasing determination against top national competitors.
Gymnasts Rudraksh, Muskan sparkle
Ace Gymnasts–Rudraksh Khanna and Muthum Romesh, showcased their exceptional talent at the Suzuki Aerobics Gymnastics World Cup 2025. The prestigious event, organized by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastics (FIG) and the International Aerobics Federation, Japan, saw participation from 19 countries. Rudraksh Khanna from J&K delivered a remarkable performance, securing 4th place in the Youth Individual Men category finals. Muthum Romesh also impressed with his skills, finishing 6th in the Junior Individual Men category finals.
Para athletes Sheetal, Rakesh, Chandeep, Anita make J&K proud
Moreover, ear lier in the year, J&K Girls Gymnastics team made historyat the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held in Surat, winning an unprecedented 17 medals. This marks the first time in the history of J&K Gymnastics that the UT has secured such an impressive tally, showcasing the immense talent and determination of local gymnasts. The standout performances came from Muskan, who claimed 4 Gold medals in Ball, Clubs, and Ribbon and 2 Silver medals in the Hoop event, bringing her total medal count to six. Manya also added to the team’s success with 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals, further contributing to J&K’s impressive haul.
Aijaz Naz wins Gold
Roller skater Aijaz Naz Chib claimed Gold medal in 20th Asian Roller Sports Championship held at South Korea.
Mohsin Ali wins Khelo India Water Games Gold
Rising young athlete Mohsin Ali has created history by becoming the first athlete from Jammu & Kashmir to win a gold medal at the Khelo India Water Games. His remarkable achievement was acknowledged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during Mann Ki Baat, where Mohsin Ali was praised for his outstanding performance, along with special appreciation for her coach, Bilquis Mir. Mohsin Ali has consistently shown excellence on the national stage. At the Tehri Cup, he secured one gold and one silver medal, further strengthening his position as one of India’s most promising water sports athletes. He is now set to participate in the President Cup in 
Tehri, continuing his journey toward higher competitive platforms. Dreaming of representing India at the international level, Mohsin credits his success entirely to his coach, Bilquis Mir, an international athlete herself. Expressing deep gratitude, Mohsin said, “Without my coach, it would have been impossible to reach this level. The only real support I had was Bilquis Madam, who stood by me at every stage. She supported me financially and guided me technically throughout my journey.”
Rajat Charak creates history
Rajat Charak has scripted history by clinching the first-ever Gold medal for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir at the prestigious Asia Cup Wushu Championship, held in China from July 2 to July 7, 2025. His landmark victory came in the final bout against a
strong opponent from Kazakhstan, marking a proud moment not just for J&K, but for the entire nation. Rajat was part of the 16-member Indian Wushu contingent, which delivered a remarkable performance overall, securing 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals. Charak had previously earned a Silver medal in the 2024 Asian Championship in Macau, China, which qualified him for this elite continental event. His continued rise on the international stage is backed by a consistent medal-winning record, and he is currently serving in the Indian Army.
Rashid Shafi bags Gold
Ace Wushu athlete Rashid Shafi won Gold medal in Nordic Open Wushu International Championship held at Sweden
Brijesh Sharma snapped up by Rajasthan Royals
In a moment of unbridled triumph for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, Udhampur’s prodigious medium-pacer Brijesh Sharma has been acquired by Rajasthan Royals for a commanding Rs 30 lakh at the TATA IPL Auction in Abu Dhabi today. Hailing from the rugged terrains of
Udhampur, the 27-year-old Sharma embodies the grit and determination of his roots. Having honed his skills under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), representing it in U-19 and U-25 national men’s tournaments before venturing eastward. A few years ago, Sharma relocated to Bengal, where he has since dominated local leagues and tournaments with his blistering pace and unerring accuracy-qualities that have now propelled him onto the IPL stage. Notably absent from Jammu and Kashmir’s eight-player auction pool, Sharma earned his spot representing the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). His explosive right-arm bowling, clocking speeds that unsettle batsmen and paired with pinpoint line-and-length precision, caught the Royals’ scouts’ eyes amid fierce bidding. This breakthrough marks a proud milestone for J&K cricket, underscoring the talent bubbling
beyond state borders.
Lucky bags Rs 19.50 lakh Pro Kabaddi Deal
Hailing from Pounichak village near Jammu, Kabaddi star Lucky Sharma has earned a Rs 19.50 lakh contract with the Gujarat Giants for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, set to begin in August 2025. A serving Army personnel, Lucky’s rise from local tournaments to the national Kabaddi arena is a story of perseverance and passion. After playing his first three PKL seasons with Jaipur Pink Panthers, Lucky impressed last season with a Rs 13 lakh deal. His exceptional defending skills have now attracted multiple franchises, with Gujarat Giants securing his services this year.
Despite his Army commitments, Lucky continues rigorous training to earn a place in the Indian national Kabaddi team. He credits his success to coaches Ajay Sharma, Sanjay and Kuldeep Gupta of the J&K Kabaddi fraternity.He emphasized the need for better infrastructure and grassroots scouting to support talent in remote areas of the Union Territory.
Shreya Gupta and J&K Fencers shine on global, national stages
Exceptional Fencer Shreya Gupta has blazed a trail of glory in 2025, competing for India at the Senior Sabre Women World Cup in Cairo, Egypt (March); Senior Asian Fencing Championship in Bali, Indonesia (June); World University Games in Essen, Germany (July); and Senior World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. Domestically, she clinched Individual Gold at the 36th Senior National Championships (November), Individual Silver and Team Gold at the Khelo India University Games (November), and contributed to J&K’s medal haul at the National Games in Haldwani (February). J&K’s Men’s Sabre Team-Vishal
Thapar, Harshit Kohli, Sagar Sahi, and Mayank Sharma-crowned their efforts with Gold, while Vishal Thapar and Waheed Sufiyan pocketed Bronze in individual events. Representing the University of Jammu (JU) and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, J&K fencers amassed 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze in individual events: Harshit Kohli (JU) Gold in Men’s Sabre; Shreya Gupta (GNDU) Silver in Women’s Sabre; Sufiyan Waheed Sohil (GNDU) Silver in Men’s Epee; and Shivansh Kapoor (JU) Bronze in Men’s Epee. The year sparkled internationally too, with Shreya Gupta, Shivansh Kapoor, Vishal Thapar, and Subhanaya Sharma donning national colors at Senior World Cups and the Cadet/Junior World Championships (early 2025). Shreya, Vishal, and Ajay Kumar earned spots in the initial Core Group for the 2026 Asian Games. Capping the achievements, J&K’s girls’ fencing team struck Bronze in the Sabre team event at the Khelo India Youth Games.
Delhi Capitals buys Aquib for staggering Rs 8.40 Cr
In a blockbuster move at the TATA IPL 2026 Auction in Abu Dhabi, Delhi Capitals have splashed a whopping Rs 8.40 crore to secure Jammu & Kashmir’s explosive fast bowler Aquib Nabi-a true son of the soil whose fiery pace and unrelenting accuracy have catapulted him into national reckoning. Aquib headlined a stellar contingent of eight J&K cricketers shortlisted for the auction, underscoring the region’s burgeoning talent pool. Joining him in the auction were versatile all-rounder Lone Nasir Muzaffar, pacer Waseem Bashir Khanday, left-arm spinning all-rounder Abid Mushtaq, stylish southpaw Vivrant Sharma, explosive opener Qamran Iqbal, lanky paceman Atif Mushtaq, and crafty off-spinner Murgan Ashwin. Adding to the pride, four J&K stars have already been retained by IPL heavyweights: dynamic batter Abdul Samad with Lucknow Super Giants, speedster Umran Malik with Kolkata Knight Riders, promising pacer Yudvir Singh Charak with Rajasthan Royals, and seam bowler Rasikh Salam (now with Baroda) by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His stats are nothing short of phenomenal: 73 wickets in just 13 First-Class matches since last season, including a dominant 44 wickets in eight games during 2024-25 with six five-wicket hauls-capped by a match-winning quarterfinal spell and a hat-trick in the Duleep Trophy.
This season, he’s already notched 29 more wickets with three five-fors, plus 15 scalps in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy league stage.
DYSS forges medal-winning history at hosted Nationals
The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) achieved a historic feat by securing a total of 18 medals in the disciplines of Wushu, Taekwondo, and Football. The achievement came during the 69th National School Games (NSG), a prestigious event hosted by the Union Territory of J&K during the current season in four sports disciplines. J&K secured an impressive total of 8 medals and clinched the championship title in the Under-19 Boys Taekwondo event. Jammu and Kashmir team won the Bronze medal in the U-19 Boys Football event. With 8 medals including 4 Gold in Wushu, J&K clinched an overall historic tally of 18 medals. This outstanding performance was lauded by the Minister for
Sports, Satish Sharma; Commissioner Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports Department, Ms. Yasha Mudgal and Director General of Youth Services and Sports J&K, Ms. Anuradha Gupta, as a significant morale booster for the entire sports fraternity of the Union Territory. The success is seen as a testament to the hard work of the players and officials and the improving sports facilities in the region. These prestigious National Games were inaugurated by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in Srinagar and were declared closed in an impressive Closing ceremony by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. Apart from hosting these National School Games, the DYSS engaged enormous youth in youth development initiatives, nation-building programmes and prestigious Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue-National Youth Festival-2026. Moreover, the Department has engaged a huge number of youth in sporting and other allied activities, besides clinching record number of medals at the National and International scene in the current year.
Suvidha, Hiteshwar bag Gold
Suvidha Sain and Hiteshwar Singh Nariana clinched Gold medals each in men and women category in the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 held at Dubai recently.
YSS prodigy Nasir Ajaz bags Bronze at U-15 World Volleyball Championship
In a dazzling display of grit and prodigious talent, Nasir Ajaz Sofi-a student from a government school in Jammu & Kashmir-has aced the global stage, clinching a bronze
medal for India at the prestigious U-15 Boys World Volleyball Championship in China. This triumph crowns a journey forged through rigorous nationwide trials by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). Nasir’s path from local courts in J&K to international glory spotlights the untapped potential blooming within the region’s public education and sports ecosystem. Final selection came in Pune, followed by intensive training at a national coaching camp in Ranchi, Jharkhand. His foundational skills were meticulously honed in J&K under the expert guidance of Naresh Kumar, a standout coach from the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS). Acting on directives from Anuradha Gupta, Director General of YSS J&K, who championed world-class preparation for emerging stars, Naresh propelled Nasir toward excellence. Nasir’s bronze stands as a resounding testament to this strategic vision and the athlete’s unyielding dedication.
Rajan becomes Jt Secy BFI
In a momentous recognition of his unparalleled dedication to the sport, Sh. Rajan Sharma, former Divisional Sports Officer of the J&K Sports Council and accomplished Boxing Coach, has been appointed as Joint Secretary of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). This prestigious elevation honours his outstanding contributions to boxing promotion, athlete development, and exemplary administrative prowess, which have consistently elevated the standards of sports governance in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. Throughout his illustrious career, Sh. Sharma has been a driving force in nurturing young talent and fostering competitive excellence. His coaching acumen, combined with strategic administrative leadership, has not only produced podium finishes at national levels but also
instilled values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork in countless athletes
JKSC achieves historic milestone
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has achieved historic milestone during the financial year 2025-26. JKSC has conducted various sports activities and developed new infrastructure/ upgraded existing infrastructure under various schemes and engaged mass youth for participation in sports programs to wean away them from anti-social activities. In 2025-26 (till December 22, 2025) has organised one International competition in Softball, one Inter-zonal Softball Championship, one Water Sports Festival and two National Level Champiknships (Soft Tennis and Tennikoit Nationals). Moreover, International Dangal (Rustam-e-J&K) was successfully conducted at MA Stadium Jammu on December 20, 2025. 19th Junior Roll Ball National Championship and Khelo India Winter Games are all set to be conducted in the financial year. Moreover, J&K athletes have won 85 Gold, 86 Silver and 126 Bronze medals at the National level and 9 Gold, 10 Silver and 9 Bronze medals at 9 Bronze medals at the International level. Minister for Sports, Mr Satish Sharma, Commissioner Secretary to Government Youth Services and Sports Department, Ms. Yasha Mudgal and Secretary JKSC,
Ms. Nuzhat Gul have lauded the efforts of the athletes and officials for this achievement.
JKP Wrestlers Win Gold Medals In World Police Meet
Keeping the Flag of Jammu and Kashmir high and making the entire sports fraternity proud, two ammu and Kashmir Police Wrestlers namely Ct. Bania Min and Ct Ishaq won Gold medals at the World Police Meet in USA. These wrestlers have created history with this landmark achievement. The Director General of J&K Police Department has lauded their efforts of thse wrestlers for this fabulous show. DySP Sh. Kuldeep Handoo, Sports Officer J&K Police Department said that they have not only brought pride to Jammu and Kashmir and the country as well, but have also created history with their remarkable performance.
Handoo appointed Chief Wushu Coach of India, Member NADA
In a resounding endorsement of his unparalleled expertise, Dronacharya Awardee Kuldeep Handoo has been appointed National Chief Coach for Wushu by the Wushu Association of India (WAI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI), gearing up India’s contingent for the prestigious 20th Asian Games. This landmark appointment underscores Handoo’s transformative role in elevating Wushu from a niche martial art to a powerhouse discipline on the global stage. Adding to his accolades, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has inducted Handoo as a member of its esteemed panel for a two-year term, recognizing his commitment to upholding the integrity of competitive sports. As a proud recipient of the Sher-e-Kashmir Award from Jammu & Kashmir, Handoo has long been a beacon for athletic excellence. Serving as Sports Officer in the Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP), he has spearheaded grassroots initiatives, mentored emerging talents, and orchestrated high-impact training programs that have produced national and international medalists.
Footballer Danish Farooq Wins Bronze
Footballer Danish Farooq bagged Bronze medal in prestigious CAFA Nation Cup held at Uzbekistan in September 2025.
Ishaq Ahmad becomes Rustam-e-Jammu & Kashmir
Demonstrating remarkable strength and technique, Ishaq Ahmad clinched the coveted title of “Rustam-e-Jammu & Kashmir” in the the International Kushti Dangal and “Rustam-e-Jammu & Kashmir” Title Championship, held at M.A. Stadium in Jammu. Aamir Khan secured the runners-up position, followed by Diler Khan and Sadaq Gajansoo. On the occasion, Minister for Youth, Services and Sports, Satish Sharma remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is steadily emerging as hub of sporting activities, owing to sustained Government support, improved infrastructure and increasing youth participation. Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul in her address said that the overwhelming response from athletes and spectators reflects a thriving sports culture in the Union Territory. She emphasised that promotion of indigenous sports will continue to receive focused attention.
Atul attends Int’l Referee Refresher Course
Atul Pangotra, International Taekwondo Coaah/Referee and former Player attended International Referee Refresher Course in Kyrougi/ Poomsae Event and successfully completed the same. He was also selected as a Referee in World Taekwondo Hanmadang in USA. Atul started his International Referee career in 2009. He was Head Coach of J&K U-19 Boys and Girls Taekwondo team which clinched 9 medals in prestigious 69th National School Games.
Dushyant attends prestigious IMFTF
Former President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sh. Dushyant Sharma, participated in the 15th Annual Meeting of the INTERPOL Match-Fixing Task Force (IMFTF) in Abu Dhabi. He attended a pivotal workshop on Integrity in Sports, which delved into strategies for preventing, detecting, and responding to the manipulation of sports competitions. The event, organized by INTERPOL and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), underscored global commitment to safeguarding fair play.Representatives from India, UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka convened for this high-level dialogue, fostering regional collaboration against match-fixing threats.
Aryaaveer Singh clinches Bronze
Aryaaveer Singh of Jammu & Kashmir has brought laurels by winning a second bronze medal in the 50th (Golden Jubilee) Senior National Yoga Sports Championship at Mysore, Karnataka in the 21-30 years Professional Yogasana category. This remarkable feat has earned him a coveted selection for the Asian Yoga Sports Championship, solidifying his rising prominence. Aryaaveer made history as J&K’s first yoga sports medalist with a bronze at the 49th Senior National Yogasana Sports Championship held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in the same category. Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Sh. Satish Sharma, felicitated him on his achievements.
Utkarsh Gupta strikes Gold
In a historic triumph for Indian Roll Ball, Utkarsh Gupta from Jammu and Kashmir clinched the gold medal at the inaugural Roll Ball Junior World Cup 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya. The young prodigy dominated the competition with exceptional skill, agility, and precision, showcasing the rising prowess of J&K athletes on the global stage. Gupta’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also elevates roll ball-a dynamic sport blending elements of gymnastics, bowling, and handball-as a beacon for youth sports in India.
Atul accompanies Indian Cadets Chess team
Atul Kumar Gupta got the honour of accompaning as Head of Delegation with Indian Cadets Chess team for their participation in World Cadets at Almaty Kazakhstan in September 2025 where Indian team won one Gold and 2 Bronze medals. Earlier, also he got such honours at several occasions for his management skills. He has always played a big role in promoting Chess in every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
Vimal Jeet secures Gold
In a resounding display of grit and muscle, Jammu & Kashmir’s rising star Vimal Jeet Singh clinched the coveted gold medal at the prestigious South Asian Men’s Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Thimphu, Bhutan. The accomplished athlete didn’t stop there-demonstrating his dominance on the international stage, he also secured a hard-fought silver medal at the 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.Vimal’s triumphs underscore J&K’s growing prowess in bodybuilding, blending raw power, disciplined training, and unyielding determination. These victories not only elevate his personal legacy but also inspire a new generation of athletes from the region to chase global glory. As Bhutan and Thailand’s arenas echoed with applause, Vimal stood tall.
The post J&K’s 2025 Sporting Glory appeared first on Daily Excelsior.