SRINAGAR, SEPT 25: The J&K Sports Council's push to strengthen grassroots sports continued this week, with Rugby and Wushu competitions drawing enthusiastic participation across Kupwara, and Pulwama districts.

In Kupwara, the 10th District Rugby 7's Championship 2026 got underway at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Hirri, with more than 150 young athletes from schools, colleges and rugby clubs across the district taking part. The championship is giving young rugby players valuable competitive exposure while building their speed, fitness, teamwork and tactical understanding. It is also helping strengthen the district's grassroots rugby structure and identify emerging talent.
Meanwhile in Pulwama, the Khelo India ASMITA Women's Wushu League 2026 was held at Hajahad Public Higher Secondary School, Awantipora, with around 250 young women athletes competing with enthusiasm, discipline and commitment. The ASMITA league gave young women athletes a dedicated competitive platform and reinforced the push for greater participation of girls and women in sport.
The Competitions also help identify talent and open pathways to higher levels of competition. Together, the events reflect J&K Sports Council's continued focus on grassroots sports development, taking organised competition beyond major urban centres and into districts across J&K.
The Council is drawing on technical staff and existing infrastructure, including indoor sports complexes and school grounds, to bring competitive sport to youth across J&K. Through such events young athletes get opportunities to showcase talent and gain experience for onward journey to National level competitions.
The rising turnout of both boys and girls at these events points to growing youth engagement with organised sport and the Council's continued effort to build an inclusive grassroots sporting ecosystem across J&K.