Jammu and Kashmir's Sports Landscape Thrives Post Article 370 Abrogation

Since the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has seen remarkable growth in sports, particularly in Taekwondo, empowering young athletes, especially girls. With improved facilities and coaching, many are pursuing sports as a career. Athletes like Sehar and Sadaf share their experiences, highlighting the importance of self-defence training. The region is also gaining recognition in combat sports, exemplified by MMA fighter Owais Yaqoob's recent victory. This evolving sports ecosystem is fostering fitness, discipline, and confidence among the youth, paving the way for a brighter future in athletics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 23:52 IST

Growth of Sports in Jammu and Kashmir

Since the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced significant advancements in sports infrastructure, participation rates, and opportunities for aspiring athletes.

The Union Territory has seen enhanced access to training facilities, coaching programs, and competitive events, motivating many young individuals, especially girls, to engage in sports as both a passion and a viable career option.

Rising Popularity of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is among the sports gaining traction, with various academies in Kashmir attracting a growing number of students interested in self-defence and competitive training.

At the Al-Jawad Sports Academy in Srinagar, numerous young girls are receiving professional Taekwondo training, aiming to represent Jammu and Kashmir and India in national and international competitions.

Personal Stories from Aspiring Athletes

Sehar, a dedicated Taekwondo practitioner at the academy, expressed how the sport has become a vital part of her life. "I am learning Taekwondo at Al-Jawad Sports Academy. It is a fantastic platform for girls, and I aspire to build a career in this field. Here, we learn self-defence, poomsae, and fundamental techniques like kicking and punching," she shared.

She emphasized her commitment, stating, "Taekwondo is my passion, and I aim to compete at both national and international levels. After ten years of practice, I believe that hard work can lead to a successful future in this sport. Every girl should consider joining, as it offers excellent self-defence training and security."

Empowerment Through Taekwondo

Another athlete, Sadaf Rehman, highlighted how Taekwondo empowers young women, making them physically stronger and more self-assured. "I have been involved in Taekwondo for a long time. Many girls are still unaware of this sport, and I encourage them to participate. In today's world, learning self-defence is crucial. We train in strength conditioning, poomsae, and sparring techniques," she noted.

Sadaf also praised their coach for his unwavering support, stating, "Our coach assists us at every turn and opens doors for our advancement. There are numerous career paths in this sport, including coaching and international competition. We are diligently preparing for coaching roles and train hard every day."

Focus on Self-Defence Training

Bilal Ahmed, another student at the academy, mentioned the emphasis on self-defence training for girls while also preparing talented athletes for higher competition levels. "We prioritize training girls because self-defence is vital in today's society. With the right training, girls can excel internationally. Our coach, Sujath Shah, is dedicated to preparing us, and he dreams of seeing Kashmiri girls compete on larger platforms," Bilal explained.

Success in Combat Sports

The flourishing sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir is also evident in the achievements of combat sports athletes. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Owais Yaqoob recently celebrated a significant victory by defeating Bulgarian fighter Delyan Georgiev via a first-round technical knockout (TKO) at BRAVE CF 107 in Burgas, Bulgaria, on August 1.

After his win, Yaqoob expressed pride in representing India on the global stage, stating, "Walking into enemy territory with the Indian flag on my back. The crowd may not support you, and the arena may not feel like home. But carrying my country's flag means fear is not an option. Every step I take is for those who believe in me, and every moment in that cage is a tribute to the sacrifices made behind the scenes."

A Bright Future for Young Athletes

With increasing participation, enhanced coaching facilities, and greater competitive exposure, Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a promising hub for combat sports. This development is enabling young athletes to compete at national and international levels while fostering fitness, discipline, and self-confidence.