SRINAGAR: More than 400 young athletes participated in rugby and wushu competitions organised under the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in Kupwara and Pulwama districts this week, officials said.
The 10th District Rugby 7’s Championship 2026 commenced at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Hirri, in Kupwara, with over 150 athletes from schools, colleges and rugby clubs across the district taking part.
Officials said the championship aims to provide competitive exposure to young rugby players while helping develop skills such as fitness, teamwork and tactical awareness. The event is also expected to aid talent identification and strengthen grassroots rugby in the district.
In Pulwama, around 250 athletes participated in the Khelo India ASMITA Women’s Wushu League 2026 held at Hajahad Public Higher Secondary School, Awantipora.
The competition provided a platform for young women athletes to compete and is part of efforts to encourage greater participation of girls and women in sports, officials said.
According to the Sports Council, both events are intended to identify promising talent and create pathways for athletes to progress to higher levels of competition.
The council said the competitions form part of its broader strategy to promote grassroots sports across Jammu and Kashmir by organising events in districts beyond major urban centres and utilising existing sports infrastructure, including indoor stadiums, school grounds and technical staff.
Officials said the participation of both boys and girls in large numbers reflects growing interest in organised sports among youth in the Union Territory.
