JAMMU: Softball will make its competitive debut at the Khelo India Youth Games when the eighth edition of the national sporting event is held in Telangana from December 11 to 22, 2026.
Adding to the significance of the development for Jammu and Kashmir, both the Union Territory’s boys’ and girls’ teams have qualified for the competition after finishing among the top seven teams at the national-level championship, the Jammu and Kashmir Softball Association said.
The inclusion of softball in the Khelo India Youth Games marks its first competitive appearance at the national event and is expected to provide players with a wider platform to showcase their talent.
The association said the qualification of both J&K teams was the result of the efforts of players, coaches and officials, along with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
It also said the inclusion would create opportunities for young players to gain national-level exposure and encourage greater participation in the sport across the Union Territory.
The association credited initiatives such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for contributing to the expansion of sporting opportunities in the country.
