Onlykashmir.in News Desk | Ishfaq Ahmad
Srinagar: The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, in collaboration with Rahim Greens, successfully hosted a two-day Inter-District Wheelchair Basketball Competition for men and women on 22-23 October 2025 at its Srinagar premises. The event aimed to promote inclusive sports and provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase talent, determination, and team spirit.
The inaugural session featured Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, as Chief Guest, who lauded VMS’s efforts in fostering empowerment through sports and emphasized collaboration among universities, NGOs, and government bodies to create accessible opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Prof. Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool, President and Founder of VMS, welcomed dignitaries and participants, highlighting sports as a transformative tool for rehabilitation and confidence-building. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Aftab Alam (Ex-SSP), Prof. Dr. Shariq Masoodi, Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Shaw (Principal, Women’s Polytechnic College), Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone (Director, VMS), Mr. Hamid (Head, Rahim Greens), Prof. Masooda Yasin, and Er. Mushtaq Ahmad Malik.
Speakers praised the athletes’ perseverance and the societal importance of inclusive sports. Mr. Alam called them “true ambassadors of courage,” while Prof. Masoodi highlighted the therapeutic benefits of adaptive sports. Mr. Shaw urged educational institutions to integrate inclusive activities, and Dr. Lone reaffirmed VMS’s commitment to supporting disability sports. Mr. Hamid reiterated Rahim Greens’ ongoing support for community welfare initiatives, and Prof. Yasin stressed the role of inclusive sports in changing public perceptions.
The competition saw enthusiastic participation from multiple districts, with players displaying exceptional skill and sportsmanship. The two-day event concluded with the distribution of trophies, medals, and certificates, accompanied by a vote of thanks from Dr. Farooq Ahmad Kaloo, Secretary, VMS.
The tournament underscored the power of inclusive sports in breaking barriers, promoting equality, and empowering PWDs to lead active and dignified lives.
