PAHALGAM (ANANTNAG): The 13th International SQAY Masters Cup, concluded successfully at Pahalgam Club, Kashmir, after six days of exciting competition from 5th to 10th June 2026.
The grand closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Vikas Ahlawat, ADC Anantnag, as the Chief Guest. Several distinguished personalities attended as Guests of Honour, including Dr. Firdous Baba, Chief Kashmir Seva Sangh, Mr. Haris (IAS), Mr. Mahmood Ibraheem Ali, President of the SQAY Organization of Asia, along with senior officials of the Sqay Federation of India, including Mr. Basharat Rasool (President), Mr. Arshid Ahmad Bhat (Secretary General), and Mr. Shabir Wani International Coach of Ski.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr. Vikas Ahlawat congratulated and encouraged all participating athletes, officials, coaches and organizers for their dedication and contribution towards the successful conduct of the international championship.
The championship witnessed the participation of over 200 athletes from six countries, making it one of the most significant international SQAY events hosted in the region.
In the prestigious Champions of Champions category, Hamid Rashid (India) emerged as the winner in the Men’s category, while Salman Sulaiman (Iraq) secured the runner-up position. In the Women’s category, Harshita Kaushik (India) claimed the title, while Zainab Khaleel (Iraq) finished as runner-up.
India also excelled in the Artistic SQAY events, securing two gold medals. Shahadat Ahmed won the gold medal in the Men’s category, while Disha Pandith captured the gold medal in the Women’s category. In AeroSQAY, Saniya Subash earned a gold medal for India with an outstanding performance.
Based on the overall medal tally, India emerged as the Overall Champion, followed by Iraq in second place and Nepal in third place.
The organizers expressed gratitude to all participating nations, officials and supporters for contributing to the success of the championship and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting SQAY at the international level.