Pampore: Jammu and Kashmir’s Sqay athletes made history by clinching a total of 84 medals, including an impressive 48 gold, at the 24th National Sqay Championship held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The exceptional dedication of the 112-strong team showcased not only their commitment but also the effectiveness of the training and support systems in place.
Organized by the Rajasthan Sqay Association at Suresh Gyan Vihar University Jaipur, the championship featured participants from 27 states across the country and services teams. Jammu and Kashmir’s stellar performance secured them the overall championship title, leaving Maharashtra in the second position and Rajasthan in the third spot on the medal tally.
Grand master Nazir Ahmad Mir, the founder and Secretary-General of the International Council of Sqay, extended heartfelt congratulations to all the medal winners, recognizing their hard work and historic triumph. The championship not only demonstrated the sporting prowess of Jammu and Kashmir but also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants nationwide.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Grand master Nazir Ahmad Mir highlighted the remarkable success as a positive trend, indicating an increasing number of youth engaging in sports and distancing themselves from challenges posed by drug usage. He emphasized the need for parents to encourage their children to participate in sports, ensuring physical and mental fitness and steering clear of harmful substances.
Grand master Nazir expressed optimism for the future, anticipating even better results from Jammu and Kashmir’s players in upcoming championships. He emphasized the rich history of Sqay, Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional martial art, spanning six thousand years, and its evolution into a recognized sport, recently included in the 37th National Games in Goa. Grand master Mir hopes that Sqay will not only represent Jammu and Kashmir UT but also shine on the international stage, possibly in the upcoming Asian Games.

BILAL HABIB