Kashmir's Young Volleyball Stars Shine at Khelo India Youth Games 2025
A Remarkable Victory Amidst Adversity
Patna (Bihar) - On May 10, the Kashmir valley, often in the spotlight for distressing news, witnessed a heartwarming narrative as four young athletes from the region showcased their bravery and determination.
During the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, the boys' volleyball team from Jammu & Kashmir made history by securing a gold medal. They triumphed over Uttar Pradesh with a score of 3-1 in a thrilling final match. The closely contested scoreline of 35-33, 19-25, 25-17, 25-21 reflects the intensity of the game, but the true essence lies in the spirit of the players.
The team, comprising Wani Mahir from Srinagar, Sahil Shamim from Anantnag, Abid Gulzar from Ganderbal, and Nasir Ajaz from Baramulla, carried not just their team's aspirations but also the emotional weight of a region affected by turmoil.
Just weeks prior to their victory, the valley was shaken by a terror attack in Pahalgam that targeted innocent tourists. Yet, these young athletes played with passion and resilience, showcasing their skills through blocking, spiking, and diving.
Coach Naresh Kumar, who previously guided J&K to a bronze medal in school games, described this achievement as a "victory of heart." He praised the dedication of his players over the past months and expressed optimism for their future in sports.
Abid Gulzar shared the significance of their win, stating, "This victory means everything. Our people needed something to be proud of, and we aimed to provide that." His calm demeanor belied the pride he felt.
Wani Mahir, who has represented India at the U-18 Asian Championships in Bahrain, emphasized the team's desire to bring positivity back to their homeland.
Both Mahir and Nasir have trained at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Jammu, honing their skills alongside experienced players. Meanwhile, Abid and Sahil have relied on local support; Abid, coached by his father, a former Indian player, developed his talent in his backyard, while Sahil emerged from local circuits, driven by ambition despite limited resources.
Their journey from improvised courts to national accolades is inspiring. Sahil remarked, "We hope our story illustrates that even in challenging times, something beautiful can emerge." As the players celebrated with their medals, it symbolized not just a sporting victory but a beacon of hope, determination, and youthful ambition.