Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The first North Kashmir Women’s Sports Festival concluded at Government Degree College for Women (GDCW), Sopore on Wednesday, bringing down the curtain on three days of competition that drew young women athletes from across the region. More than 900 sportspersons from 14 degree colleges and five higher secondary schools took part in the festival, which began on October 5 and featured contests in multiple sporting disciplines.
Organisers said the event offered young women a platform to showcase their talent, discipline and competitive spirit, and to compete against peers from institutions across North Kashmir, a space that has traditionally had fewer organised opportunities for girls than for boys.
The valedictory function was presided over by Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the importance of sports in building the physical and mental well-being of young people, and called for greater encouragement to students to take up games alongside academics. He appreciated the efforts of GDCW Sopore Principal Prof Subeena Chiloo and the organising team for conducting the festival successfully, describing the initiative as an important platform for encouraging girls to participate in sports.
Prof Chiloo said the festival was organised with the objective of developing a strong sports culture among girl students in North Kashmir. She said sports can empower young women, build confidence and contribute to their physical and mental well-being, while opening doors for them to compete at wider levels.
Dr Aadil Mohi-ud-Din, Head of the Department of Kashmiri and Media Secretary of the college, moderated the proceedings. He said the festival brought together institutions from across North Kashmir and created a stage for young athletes to display their abilities.
The concluding day witnessed the finals in kabaddi, badminton and table tennis. In the kabaddi final, Government Degree College, Handwara defeated GDCW Sopore by nine points to emerge champions, with the host college finishing runners-up. In badminton, Government Degree College, Sumbal beat GDCW Baramulla 2-0 to claim the title, while GDCW Baramulla took the runners-up position.
The table tennis competition produced strong showings from the Baramulla and Sopore colleges. In the doubles final, GDCW Sopore defeated GDCW Baramulla 2-0 to win the title, with GDCW Baramulla as runners-up. In the singles final, GDCW Baramulla defeated Government Degree College, Baramulla 2-0 to emerge winners, leaving GDC Baramulla in second place.
The turnout of more than 900 athletes reflects a growing appetite among young women in the region for organised sport. Educators say that regular competition builds teamwork, resilience and leadership, qualities that carry over into academic and professional life, and that college level tournaments are often the first step towards district, divisional and national competition.
The organisers said the festival has strengthened sporting ties among educational institutions and laid a foundation for future editions aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports across the region.
