In a major push for the Nasha-Mukt (Drug-Free) Jammu & Kashmir vision, the J&K Sports Council has officially launched a high-octane sports campaign designed to pivot youth energy away from substance abuse and toward athletic excellence. The flagship event of this movement is the Pulwama Kabaddi League, a three-day tournament set to ignite the valley from May 1 to May 3, 2026.
This league is not merely a series of matches; it is a strategic social intervention. By providing a structured, high-intensity platform, the Council aims to foster discipline and resilience among the youth, using the traditional grit of kabaddi as a pathway to a healthier lifestyle.
League Structure & Participants
The tournament features an open-age format, allowing a unique blend of seasoned veterans and hungry young prospects to compete on the same mat.
- Dates: May 1 – May 3, 2026
- Athletes: 96 players across 8 elite teams
- Key Teams to Watch:
- Pulwama Panthers (Host favorites)
- United Kashmir (Baramulla)
- Harmokh Warriors & AR Warriors (Bandipora)
- AKC Budgam
- Kulgam Tigers
- Midline J&K
The “Aamir Hamid Wani” Effect
The league arrives at a time of peak inspiration for local athletes. The recent selection of Aamir Hamid Wani from Pulwama into the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 for ₹9 lakh has proven to the youth that the road from the village mat to the international spotlight is real and achievable. The Sports Council intends to leverage this success to find the next breakout star.
Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner/Secretary of Youth Services & Sports, highlighted that these leagues are the front line in the battle for the region’s future.
“Sport is not merely competition; it is a powerful instrument of social transformation… This campaign is a movement towards building a healthier, stronger, and more empowered Jammu & Kashmir.”
Beyond Kabaddi: What’s Next?
The Pulwama Kabaddi League is just the beginning of a valley-wide sporting takeover:
- Shopian: Upcoming Volleyball Tournament.
- Anantnag: Launch of a new Football League.
- Inclusive Focus: A series of women-oriented leagues are in development to ensure young women have equal access to sport-led empowerment.
