Shariya Manzoor Creates History For Jammu And Kashmir
The J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association has celebrated a landmark achievement after Shariya Manzoor became the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to earn selection for the inaugural Asian Kabaddi League Women Chapter 1. The talented player from Pulwama district in South Kashmir has reached a historic milestone that is expected to inspire a new generation of female athletes across the Union Territory.
Her selection is being viewed as a major step forward for Jammu Kashmir kabaddi, highlighting the steady growth of the sport in the region. After years of hard work, discipline, and consistent performances at the domestic level, Shariya has now earned the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in Asian kabaddi.
Association Praises Her Dedication
The J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association praised Shariya’s commitment and determination in achieving this remarkable feat. The association’s General Secretary, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, congratulated the young athlete and described her selection as a proud moment for the entire Union Territory.
He also acknowledged the important role played by her coach, Arshid Rather, who has guided and trained her throughout her journey. According to the association, Shariya’s success reflects years of dedicated coaching, disciplined preparation, and a strong desire to succeed against tough competition.
Her achievement has become one of the biggest stories in recent J&K kabaddi news, bringing national attention to the growing talent emerging from the region.
Growing Support For Kabaddi In Jammu And Kashmir
The association also highlighted the increasing support provided by the J&K Sports Council, led by Secretary Nuzhat Gul. Officials credited several development programmes for helping talented players receive better training opportunities and competitive exposure.
Initiatives such as the Khelo India Centres and the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) Centres have played a key role in identifying young athletes and helping them develop their skills. These programmes have created more opportunities for players from different districts to pursue kabaddi professionally.
The latest success in Jammu Kashmir kabaddi demonstrates how investments in grassroots sports are beginning to produce positive results.
Kabaddi Infrastructure Continues To Improve
The growth of the sport has been supported by significant improvements in sports infrastructure across the Union Territory. Recently, the J&K Sports Council approved 10 new Kabaddi Centres to strengthen grassroots development and provide better training facilities for aspiring players.
The region has also made progress in the men’s game. During the 2026 Pro Kabaddi League, two players from Jammu and Kashmir represented their franchises, showing that the Union Territory is producing talent capable of competing at the highest level.
Now, Shariya Manzoor’s selection for the Asian Kabaddi League has added another important chapter to that success story, especially for women’s kabaddi.
A Milestone For Women’s Kabaddi
Shariya’s selection is about much more than individual success. It represents a breakthrough for women in sports across Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging young girls to dream of playing professional kabaddi. Her achievement challenges long-standing stereotypes and proves that athletes from every part of the country can reach the highest level with the right support and determination.
The latest J&K kabaddi news is therefore a proud moment not only for the player and her family but also for the entire sporting community in the region. As Shariya prepares to compete in the Asian Kabaddi League, she carries the hopes of countless aspiring athletes who now have a powerful example to follow. Her journey marks an important milestone in the continued rise of Jammu Kashmir kabaddi on the national and international stage.
