*J&K Female Weightlifters Excel at National Championship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 3: In an important step for football development in Jammu and Kashmir, a team of instructors from the KNVB Dutch Football Association held talks with the Secretary of the J&K Sports Council to explore current and upcoming initiatives designed to enhance the sport in the region.
The conversation centered around a strategic plan outlining short-, medium-, and long-term objectives, with a strong focus on women’s football, coach and referee training, youth exchange initiatives, and extending the game’s reach to rural, tribal, and border communities.
Given the universal appeal of football and its rising popularity in India, the discussion also emphasized grassroots development aimed at fostering young talent.
There was an exploration of formalizing partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further improve football infrastructure and training programs in the area. This initiative is being organized by Roger, Raymond, Pinho Dsouza, and Deepak Khanlokar from Acosa Sports Infrastructure, Mumbai.
The J&K Sports Council, in collaboration with the KNVB Dutch Football Association, arranged a five-day Refresher Football Coaching Course starting from February 1, 2025, at the Mini Stadium Parade, which saw 35 local coaches participating in the KNVB World Coaches Program.
Meanwhile, female weightlifters from Jammu and Kashmir exhibited their skills at the Asmita Khelo India National Weightlifting Championship in Berhampur, Odisha.
Three athletes from J&K distinguished themselves with outstanding performances: Sharon James took home gold in the senior 87+ kg category, Akam Kour secured silver in the junior 87 kg category, while Kaushiki Sharma earned bronze in the youth 81+ kg category.
Their impressive achievements highlight their commitment and the rigorous training they received at the Khelo India Centre.
Commending the athletes, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, praised their achievements and emphasized the increasing participation of women in sports. “Women athletes from J&K are making strides at domestic, national, and international levels, and their successes inspire future generations to take up sports professionally,” she remarked.
