Sports of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is not only famous for its breathtaking beauty but is also considered one of the most favorable places for many exciting sports in India. There are different kinds of sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir that can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Jammu and Kashmir is also home to the highest golf course in the world, located in Gulmarg. Jammu and Kashmir has its own teams for cricket as well as football. From traditional games to modern athletics, sports of Jammu and Kashmir are an integral part of the local culture and are gaining national recognition. The major sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir are paragliding, skiing, river rafting, polo, archery, mountaineering, mountain biking, golfing, cricket, and football.
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Popular Sports in Jammu and Kashmir
Below, we will discuss the most popular sports of Jammu and Kashmir, so you can get a clear idea about the sports in this region.
1. Cricket in Jammu and Kashmir
Cricket is one of the most important and popular sports of Jammu and Kashmir, Just as anywhere else in India. As we discussed earlier, Jammu and Kashmir have a cricket team that mainly plays in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association came into existence in 1970. Some of the popular cricket grounds in Kashmir are Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Maulana Azad Stadium, and Gandhi Memorial Science College Ground. There is also a proposal to build an International Cricket Stadium in Jammu and Kashmir.
Here are some of the cricket players from Jammu and Kashmir who have played in the IPL and the national team: Parvez Rasool, Mithun Manhas, Abdul Samad and Manzoor Dar. Apart from these players, Jasia Akhtar is the first woman cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for the India Women’s National Cricket team.
2. Football in Jammu and Kashmir
Football is the second most popular sport in Jammu and Kashmir after cricket. Jammu and Kashmir have their own football association, established in 1964, which is a member of the All India Football Federation. The main role of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association is to control various football clubs, organize different tournaments, and develop this sport in Jammu and Kashmir. The first time the JK football team took part in the Santosh Trophy. Now, many locals organize Night football tournaments under the floodlights, and these tournaments are gaining popularity in Kashmir.
As per the latest data, there are around 500 football clubs in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which regularly take part in state as well as national level tournaments. The famous ground for holding football matches in Kashmir is Bakshi Stadium.
Some of the important football players from Jammu and Kashmir are Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Abdul Majeed Kakroo, Ishfaq Ahmad, Basit Ahmad, and Mohammad Rehbar. There are two football teams from Jammu and Kashmir that have played in the I-League i.e. Real Kashmir Football Club and Lonestar Kashmir Football Club. Real Kashmir Football Club became the first Jammu and Kashmir football team to gain I-League promotion by defeating Hindustan FC Delhi in May 2018
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It is believed that the football was first introduced by Tindale Biscoe between 1891-1892, who was the founder of the Mission school in Srinagar.
3. Rugby in Jammu and Kashmir
While cricket and football dominate the sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir, rugby is also gaining popularity. The government is nurturing rugby talent by organizing tournaments at both state and district levels. These events not only foster local competition but also prepare teams for national-level challenges. The region boasts a number of talented rugby players
4. Hockey in Jammu and Kashmir
Hockey holds a special place in Jammu and Kashmir sports, with the J&K Hockey Team participating in various national tournaments. Interestingly, the unique geography of Jammu and Kashmir has given rise to two distinct forms of the sport. While field hockey thrives throughout the UT, ice hockey has found a particular stronghold in the Ladakh region. To promote the sport, the Ice Hockey Association of Jammu and Kashmir holds annual tournaments in Leh, attracting enthusiasts from across India who come to experience this exciting event.
5. Wushu
This martial art has found a strong foothold in the region, with many local athletes excelling at national and international levels. During the 67th National School Games 2023-24 the Wushu team from Jammu and Kashmir showed some exceptional performance by securing  5 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals.Â
The medal winners from Jammu and Kashmir are Ayeera Chisti, Ansa Chisti, Zeerak Wani, Syed Mohd Ali, Sheikh Amir, Aliza Shah, Anum Ajaz, Imran Raja, Sadiya Tariq, Juairiya, Aabid Yousuf, Mohd Shaher, and Uzair Ahmad Sheikh.
6. Golf in Jammu and Kashmir
Golf is another popular sport in Jammu and Kashmir and There are many beautiful golf courses in Kashmir. To enjoy this game you can rent the golfing equipment’s at reasonable rates. Here are some of the famous Golf courses in Kashmir .
(i) Royal Spring Golf course
The Royal Spring Golf Course is situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. (an American golf course architect). It is an 18-hole golf course and was previously named Salim Ali National Park. The first Women’s Golf Tournament was conducted at this golf course in July 2012.
(ii) Gulmarg Golf course
During the British reign, this golf course was used as a holiday resort and was then converted into a golf club in 1911 A.D. The Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the highest and longest golf courses in the world, located at a height of about 9,000 ft. In 1922, the first Golf Championship was held at Gulmarg. At present, Gulmarg has an 18-hole golf course.
(iii) Kashmir Golf club
The Kashmir golf club is the oldest golf course in Srinagar built by britishers in the year 1887. This gold course spread over 52 acres of lush green land. It is also a 18 hole golf course and is considered as one of the beautiful golf courses in the world.
Adventure Sports in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir offer a plethora of thrilling activities. River rafting on the Lidder and Sind rivers is a must-try for adventure lovers. Paragliding and hot air ballooning provide breathtaking aerial views of the region’s natural beauty. Due to these adventurous activities and favorable geography, people from all over the world come here to take part in these activities.
(i) Skiing and Snowboarding in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a famous destination for skiing and snowboarding. With its snow-covered slopes and breathtaking views, Gulmarg offers perfect conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, provides access to some of the best skiing slopes, attracting adventurers from across the globe.
(ii) White-Water Rafting in Lidder and Sindh Rivers
The rivers of Jammu and Kashmir offer exciting opportunities for white-water rafting. The Lidder River in Pahalgam and the Sindh River in Sonmarg are popular destinations to enjoy this thrilling activity. The swift rapids, combined with the stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys, make rafting an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers.
(iii) Trekking and Mountaineering in the Great Himalayas
The majestic Himalayas offer numerous trekking and mountaineering opportunities. Popular treks like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Amarnath Yatra, and some other treks provide trekkers with an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. The treks in Kashmir vary from easy to difficult, catering to both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Water Sports on the Lakes of Kashmir
There are various water sports activities in Kashmir that you can enjoy on the famous Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. Some of the newly introduced water sports activities in Kashmir include jet skiing, banana boating, aqua cycling, duck boating, speed boating, parasailing, and water zorbing. To enjoy these activities, you can book on the spot. There is also a water park in Dal Lake where life jackets are provided for safety so that children can enjoy the activities without any risk.
Nurturing Talent: Sports Initiatives in J&K
The government and private organizations are working together to promote sports:
- Khelo India: This national program has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing young talent in the region.
- Sports Academies: Dedicated academies for cricket, football, and martial arts are training the next generation of athletes.
- School Sports Programs: Integration of sports into the school curriculum is encouraging widespread participation.
Conclusion
Jammu and Kashmir are more than just a scenic destination, it is a sports lover’s paradise. From winter sports in the snow-clad mountains to water sports in pristine lakes, the Jammu and Kashmir offers diverse sporting activities that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for adventure, traditional sports, or leisurely activities, Jammu and Kashmir promise an unforgettable experience.
