The Asmita League 2025 was inaugurated at Water Sports Club Pokhribal, highlighting women’s empowerment and sporting talent in Jammu and Kashmir. Organized by the J&K Association of Kayaking and Canoeing under the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, the league is part of the Khelo India initiative supported by the Sports Authority of India.
The opening featured Women’s K-1 races, symbolizing courage and skill on water. Chief Guest Martand Singh lauded the young athletes for their determination, while Guest of Honour Mehmood Shah praised the platform for inspiring youth through sports. Commanding Officer 161 Battalion CRPF, Balihar Singh, emphasized the values of strength, unity, and perseverance reflected by participants.
Shafqat Watali, President of the J&K Association of Kayaking and Canoeing, highlighted the potential of J&K’s rivers and lakes to train future Olympians. Dr. Burhan Bazaz, President of J&K Association of Rowing and Sculling, celebrated the participation of young women breaking barriers in sports and praised Mohsin Ali, a Khelo India gold medalist trained at Pokhribal.
Bilquis Mir, the first woman from J&K to represent India in water sports, expressed pride in the young athletes carrying forward the dream of women’s sporting excellence. Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer at the University of Kashmir, emphasized integrating adventure sports into school and college curricula to nurture talent for national and international competitions.
Winners of the Asmita League 2025 will advance to the Zonal Level, with champions competing at the National Water Sports Championships. The event showcased vibrant energy, talent, and determination, reflecting J&K’s growing stature as a hub for water sports and women’s empowerment.