PULWAMA [Mudasir Maqbool] (KIMS) — A wave of pride has swept across Pulwama as five young girls from the district have been selected to represent Jammu and Kashmir in the national under-14 hockey championship.
The prestigious event is set to take place in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant milestone for these talented athletes and their community. The players include Khansa Sajad, Rutba Jan, Asmat Jan, Arbina Jan from Government Upper Primary School Gulbugh, Zone Kakapora, and Tobia Javeed from Government High School Pahoo, Zone Kakapora.
Earlier in November, Arbina Jan from Girls High School Ratnipora and Zeenat Aman from GHS Pahoo were selected to represent Jammu and Kashmir in the under-17 National Level Hockey Championship held in Haryana.
This achievement is being hailed as a testament to the growing sports culture in Pulwama, nurtured by the state-of-the-art Hockey Turf Stadium in the district and the relentless efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department.
Inaugurated by LG J&K Manoj Sinha just a few years ago, Pulwama’s Hockey Turf Stadium has become a beacon for aspiring players in the region. The facility, equipped with modern amenities and a professional-grade turf, has allowed young players to practice and compete in an environment comparable to national standards.
The Youth Services and Sports Department in Pulwama has played a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing talent. From organizing local tournaments to providing coaching and mentoring, the department has been instrumental in shaping the future of young athletes.
“Our aim has always been to encourage sports at the grassroots level. The selection of these five girls is proof of Pulwama’s untapped potential in hockey. We are committed to ensuring that more youth from this region shine on national and international platforms,” said a senior official from the department.
The back-to-back achievements in the under-14 and under-17 categories are inspiring more young girls in Pulwama to take up hockey. Community leaders and parents are increasingly supportive of their children pursuing sports as a viable career option, a significant cultural shift for the region.
The Headmaster of Government Upper Primary School Gulbugh, Zone Kakapora, congratulated the players on their remarkable achievement and expressed his happiness over their extraordinary performance in the field of hockey.
The families of the selected players expressed immense joy and pride at their daughters’ achievements. Local residents and community leaders have also lauded the girls for their hard work and dedication, seeing their success as an inspiration for other young athletes in the region.
With these young stars preparing to represent Jammu and Kashmir on a national stage, hopes are high not just for their performance but also for the future of hockey in Pulwama. The district is fast emerging as a hub for sports talent, and the success of these players is expected to motivate more youth to take up the sport.
As the team heads to Madhya Pradesh for the national championship, Pulwama stands united in support, cheering for its champions and the dreams they carry with them. — (KIMS)