The Under-17 Girls Inter-District Provincial Level Kho-Kho Competition saw the young players of Baramulla put up a splendid performance and win the title. The competition concluded on 22 September at HSS Doabgah, Baramulla, where the hosts defeated Budgam by an inning and one point to claim the winners’ trophy. This achievement emerging from the sports fields of the Kashmir Valley is not only a victory for the girls of Baramulla but also an inspiring message for the entire Kashmir that our daughters, when given opportunities, can demonstrate their talent and hard work in every field.
In the final match, the Baramulla players displayed remarkable energy, discipline, speed and team spirit. In a fast and exciting sport like Kho-Kho, the role of every player is important. The girls from Baramulla showed excellent coordination, outplayed their opponents and secured the title. Behind this success was the hard work of the players, along with the support of their coaches, teachers and families. It is this support that has the power to turn a small dream into a major achievement.
Ten districts of Kashmir Province participated in the competition. Young players from different districts showcased their sporting skills and competitive spirit. Seeing girls from different parts of Kashmir playing together on the same platform is, in itself, a positive picture. In another match, Srinagar defeated Kupwara and demonstrated its sporting ability. Such competitions provide young players with an opportunity to step outside their districts, play at a larger level, gain new experiences and further develop their talent.
The achievements of these young players also carry an important message for the parents of Kashmir. Our daughters have the ability to move forward not only in education but also in sports, art, culture, technology and other fields. What is needed is to give them the opportunity to pursue the field of their choice. If a girl goes to school in the morning and works hard on the sports field in the evening, she is not only preparing for a sport but also strengthening the foundation of her future. A small gesture of encouragement from the family can greatly strengthen her confidence.
There are many talented children in the villages and towns of Kashmir. At times, the bigger challenge than a lack of resources is a lack of opportunities. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every section of society to encourage children to reach the sports field. Sports should not be seen merely as a part of the school curriculum but also as a means of identifying talent. Teachers should encourage young players to move forward, parents should have faith in their efforts, and communities should promote sports activities at the local level. These small efforts can help produce outstanding sportspersons from Kashmir in the years to come.
During the closing ceremony, DYSSO Baramulla Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori and other dignitaries presented trophies to the winning and participating teams. The happiness visible on the faces of the players was the most beautiful picture of the event. It was not merely the happiness of winning a trophy, but the joy of having their talent recognised.
The Under-19 Girls Inter-District Provincial Level Kho-Kho Competition is now scheduled to be held at the same venue from 23 September. This continuing sporting activity shows that new opportunities for girls in Kashmir are steadily emerging. Today, the girls of Baramulla have shone on the Kho-Kho field; tomorrow, a girl from another district may bring glory to Kashmir in another sport. What is needed is simply to recognise their talent, believe in their dreams and give them the opportunity to move forward. There is no shortage of talent in the soil of Kashmir—the need is only to give that talent the right direction and platform. This approach will make our children stronger and help build a Kashmir in the years to come where daughters move forward with confidence and bring pride to their families, their districts and their Kashmir.
