Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar’s Gindun Park in Rajbagh turned into a stage for both sporting triumph and political commitment on Monday, as National Conference Chief Spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq distributed medals and certificates to winners of the 8th Srinagar District Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior Games Championship for deaf and speech-impaired athletes.
Addressing the gathering, Sadiq reiterated that the empowerment of persons with disabilities remains a foundational commitment for his party, framing it as part of a broader push for dignity and equal opportunity across every marginalised section of Jammu and Kashmir’s society. He said access to education, employment, skill development, financial assistance and sporting avenues is essential if persons with disabilities are to achieve genuine self-reliance and active participation in public life.
Sadiq pointed to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework already in place in the Union Territory, noting its provisions for reservation in government jobs and higher education alongside inclusive schooling and sporting access. He described these measures as evidence of a sustained institutional commitment rather than a one-off gesture, and said the Omar Abdullah government intends to build further on this foundation. He added that he would personally carry the demands and concerns raised by the disabled community to the Chief Minister, seeking stronger outcomes on education, financial support, skilling and employment.
The MLA also welcomed the government’s recent approval of free travel for persons with disabilities on public transport, a move that allows beneficiaries to ride JKRTC buses as well as Jammu and Srinagar Smart City e-buses without charge. He called it a fulfilment of a budgetary promise and a marker of inclusive governance rather than a symbolic announcement.
Turning to sport specifically, Sadiq argued that athletic competition builds confidence and self-reliance among persons with disabilities in ways few other interventions can match. He called for expanded training infrastructure and encouragement programmes at the district and provincial levels, so athletes from the community can eventually represent Jammu and Kashmir on national and international platforms.
The event closed with Sadiq congratulating the participating athletes, their families, coaches and organisers, describing the recognition of their determination and dignity as a shared responsibility that extends well beyond government policy into the wider community.
