Determined to establish a strong presence in the national sports landscape, Jammu and Kashmir showcased outstanding achievements by its elite athletes in 2024. Consistent with previous years, competitors from several high-performing sports disciplines continued to excel on both national and international stages.
Rajesh Dhar provides a comprehensive overview of the sports scene in Jammu and Kashmir over the past year.
Historic Achievement by Para Archers Sheetal and Rakesh
India’s para archers, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, made history by securing a bronze medal in the mixed compound open archery event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The duo triumphed in a thrilling final against Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina, winning by just one point with a score of 156-155. They both hit four perfect 10s in the final set to overcome a deficit and clinch the medal. Additionally, this victory saw them equal the Paralympic record of 156 points. At just 17, Sheetal became India’s youngest Paralympic medalist and was the only female armless archer at the event. Rakesh Kumar, 39, earned his first Paralympic medal after years of top-tier performance, boasting a gold medal from the Para World Championship and Asian Para Games.
Deaf Judoka Rakesh Singh Shines
Deaf judoka Rakesh Singh from Jammu brought pride to the region by winning a bronze medal in judo at the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An alumnus of Samaj Kalyan Kendra’s School for Hearing Handicapped, Rakesh was India’s sole judoka at these esteemed games, where he competed as part of a six-member Indian team under the All India Sports Council of the Deaf. He had previously represented India at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, finishing seventh in individual competition. He trained under Chief Judo Coach Suraj Bhan Singh at the J&K Sports Council’s MA Stadium in Jammu.
J&K Gymnasts Excel Again
Rising star in rhythmic gymnastics, Muskan Rana, secured five medals at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024 in Chennai, including one gold, two silver, and one bronze, showcasing her impressive talent and making J&K proud. Additionally, Manya represented J&K at the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku, while Muskan and Manya competed in the 15th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, and others participated in various international competitions. The Gymnastics Association of J&K has also sent three junior gymnasts for advanced training at the Ho Chi Minh Gymnastics Academy in Vietnam to enhance their skills for future international contests.
DYSS Makes History, JKSC Hosts 16 Nationals
The Department of Youth Services and Sports in J&K achieved a milestone by hosting the 68th National School Games across four sports disciplines over a month-long event, drawing participation from over 4000 athletes and officials nationwide. Concurrently, the J&K Sports Council hosted 16 national events throughout 2024, marking a substantial increase in J&K’s medal count and reinforcing its status as a burgeoning sporting hub.
Dilpreet Secures Gold for India
Dilpreet Singh won gold for India at the 4th Asian Roll Ball Championship held at Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Goa, further enhancing his distinguished medal record in various national tournaments.
Soham Becomes J&K’s 1st International Master
J&K chess sensation Soham attained the title of International Master at the Abu Dhabi Masters Chess Tournament, marking him as the first in the state to earn this prestigious distinction. With a rating exceeding 2430, he ranks among the top 80 players in India and has consistently succeeded in state championships. His journey to the title has been characterized by significant achievements, showcasing his dedication and talent.
LG Meets Chandeep Singh
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recognized International Para Taekwondo Medallist S. Chandeep Singh for his achievements, stating that his success serves as an inspiration for the youth and promising support from the UT administration.
Fencers Shine
J&K’s fencers represented India with pride at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in New Zealand, winning 1 silver and 3 bronze medals, with notable performances from Harshit Kohli and Shreya Gupta among others.
Rajan Attends Paris Olympics
Renowned boxing figure Rajan Sharma served as a Technical Observer at the Paris Olympics, appointed by the Boxing Federation of India for his vast expertise.
Lucky and Aamir Join Jaipur Pink Panthers
Star Kabaddi players Lucky Sharma and Aamir Hamid Wani were purchased by Jaipur Pink Panthers for the Pro Kabaddi League, highlighting the rising profile of J&K’s kabaddi talent.
Kalra Champions Sports Promotion
Former cricketer Ranjeet Kalra was appointed as an advisor for sports and youth affairs at the University of Ladakh. His dedication has brought recognition, earning him the Prof Chaman Lal Gupta ‘Khel Ratna Award’ from the Lieutenant Governor for his contributions.
Handoo Creates Waves in Wushu
Dhronacharya Awardee Kuldeep Handoo was appointed as Chief Wushu Coach of India for another term, having significantly contributed to the growth of the sport in J&K and India.
Saqlain Honored at World Championship
Volleyball player Saqlain Tariq was named best setter at the World Armed Forces Championship in Iran, while several J&K players made strides at various national and international competitions.
Deepak Joins Chennai Singhams
Deepak Dogra, a standout player in J&K, was signed by Chennai Singhams as an icon player for the second season of the Indian Street Premier League, reflecting his strong performances in earlier seasons.
Atul Heads Indian Chess Team
Atul Kumar Gupta was designated as Head of Delegation for the Indian Chess team at the World Cadet Chess Championship in Italy, contributing to India’s impressive showing at the event.
Ishaan, Ahtisham, Anya Win Historic Medals
Athletes Ishaan Parihar, Ahtisham, and Anya Rakwal achieved historic victories in Taekwondo and Weightlifting at the 68th National School Games, marking milestones for Jammu and Kashmir.
Rasikh, Samad, Yudhvir, and Umran Shine in IPL Contracts
J&K’s Rasikh Salam was purchased by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 6 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, alongside notable signings of other local players underscoring regional talent.
Arushi Shines in Chess
Chess prodigy Arushi Kotwal won a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Rapid Chess Championship in Sri Lanka, alongside numerous accolades in various chess competitions, reinforcing J&K’s strong representation in the sport.
J&K Hosts Legends League Cricket
The Legends League Cricket was successfully organized, allowing local youths to engage with cricketing legends like Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, enhancing the cricketing culture in the region.
J&K Football Team Reaches Prestigious QFs
The J&K football team made history by advancing to the quarter-finals in the Santosh Trophy, showcasing exceptional skills and securing qualification for the National Games 2025-26.
Women’s Team Achieves Quarter-Final Spot
The J&K Senior Women’s cricket team also made it to the quarter-finals of the BCCI Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, defeating top national teams along the way and contributing to a historic year for sports in the region.
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