SRINAGAR, MARCH 14: ASMITA Pencak Silat State League 2025 (J&K) commenced today at the Indoor Sports Complex, Polo Ground Srinagar, bringing together around 550 girls from various districts of Jammu & Kashmir to compete and showcase their skills in the traditional martial art of Pencak Silat.
The opening ceremony was graced by Nusrat Ghazala, Divisional Sports Officer Kashmir (J&K Sports Council) as the Chief Guest, while Hilal Ahmad, Manager J&K Sports Council, Polo Ground, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
The dignitaries appreciated the initiative of organizing a large-scale women’s sporting event aimed at empowering young girls through sports.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasized the importance of sports in building confidence, discipline, and leadership among young women. She praised the growing participation of girls in sports across Jammu & Kashmir and highlighted that such platforms play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent.
The ASMITA Pencak Silat State League is being organized as part of the Khelo India initiative, which focuses on strengthening women’s participation in sports across the country. The league provides an important competitive platform for female athletes and encourages them to pursue excellence in martial arts.
During the event, athletes displayed great enthusiasm and determination, reflecting the increasing popularity of Pencak Silat in the region. The competition features multiple age and weight categories, allowing young athletes to compete and gain valuable exposure at the state level.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the Secretary J&K Sports Council for their continuous support and for providing excellent facilities at the Polo Ground Indoor Sports Complex for the successful conduct of the event.
The two-day league, scheduled from 14th to 15th March 2025, is expected to witness exciting bouts and outstanding performances by young female athletes from across the Union Territory, further strengthening the movement for women empowerment through sports in Jammu & Kashmir.
