Srinagar, Oct 31: The three-day Union Territory-level Sqay Martial Arts Championship concluded at Polo Ground Stadium, Srinagar, on Saturday, showcasing the talent, discipline and sporting spirit of young athletes from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The concluding ceremony was attended by Tasaduq Hussain Mir, JKAS, as Chief Guest. Among the distinguished guests were SSP Headquarters Tariq Ahmad Wani, Farooq Wani, Editor, Brighter Kashmir, women activist Miss Rumaisa, video journalist Tariq Ahmad Lone and Firdous Baba, besides other prominent personalities.
The championship was organised by the J&K Sqay Association in collaboration with Usha Play International, with Disha Pundita serving as the Organising Secretary.
Speaking on the occasion, Pundita said the association was making efforts to identify and nurture sporting talent in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She particularly emphasised reaching out to Pandit migrant colonies to identify promising youngsters and provide them opportunities to participate in the traditional martial art.
Founder and General Secretary of Sqay Martial Arts, Nazir Ahmad Mir, welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of promoting Sqay, Kashmir's indigenous martial art, among the younger generation.
The programme featured impressive martial arts demonstrations by participants representing different parts of the Valley. Athletes displayed their skills, discipline and confidence, followed by cultural performances that added colour to the event.
An award distribution ceremony was also held, during which winners were felicitated for their performances in the three-day championship. The organisers also honoured the Chief Guest and other distinguished guests for their encouragement and support towards sports promotion.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Tasaduq Hussain Mir highlighted the role of sports in the overall development of students, saying that sporting activities instil discipline, confidence, leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility among young people. He encouraged participants to remain committed to their respective disciplines and make full use of available opportunities.
SSP Headquarters Tariq Ahmad Wani congratulated the participants and winners and appreciated the growing recognition of Sqay at national and international levels. Describing it as Kashmir's indigenous martial art, he encouraged young athletes to work hard and bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir.
Farooq Wani, Editor of Brighter Kashmir, stressed the importance of sports in engaging and empowering youth. He particularly called for greater participation of girls in sporting activities, observing that sports play an important role in building women's confidence, independence and leadership.
He also urged youngsters to stay away from drug abuse and embrace healthy and disciplined lifestyles, saying that sports provide a constructive direction to youthful energy and nurture determination and positive values.
The speakers also appreciated the contribution of Nazir Ahmad Mir in promoting Sqay and taking Kashmir's traditional martial art to international platforms, providing local athletes opportunities to showcase their talent beyond the region.
Miss Rumaisa, Tariq Ahmad Lone and Firdous Baba were among those present.
The championship concluded with the felicitation of winners and guests, reaffirming the importance of preserving Kashmir's indigenous sporting heritage while creating opportunities for young athletes to excel at national and international levels.
The event proceedings were conducted by Miss Shaheen Mahajan in her charismatic style.