SHARIYA MANZOOR SCRIPTS HISTORY WITH SELECTION FOR INAUGURAL ASIAN KABADDI LEAGUE

Jammu & Kashmir has once again demonstrated its growing sporting potential, with another talented athlete earning recognition on the international stage. In a landmark achievement for the Union Territory, Shariya Manzoor of Pulwama has been selected to participate in the inaugural Asian Kabaddi League (Women – Chapter 1). Her selection is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir and Indian women’s kabaddi. It reflects the remarkable progress being made by athletes from the region and highlights the expanding opportunities available to young sportswomen who aspire to compete at the highest levels.

The Asian Kabaddi League (AKL) is a newly launched international franchise-based competition designed to bring together some of Asia’s finest kabaddi players. While kabaddi has long enjoyed immense popularity in countries such as India, Iran, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, the AKL aims to elevate the sport by providing a professional platform that showcases elite talent from across the continent. The league seeks to enhance the quality of competition, promote women’s participation, attract greater media attention and inspire a new generation of players. Similar to other professional sporting leagues, the AKL provides athletes with the opportunity to compete against top international talent, gain valuable exposure and further develop their technical and tactical abilities in a highly competitive environment.

The introduction of the Asian Kabaddi League is expected to play a significant role in the global growth of kabaddi. Professional leagues not only improve the standard of competition but also create career opportunities for players through sponsorships, coaching exposure, sports science support and international recognition. For women athletes, such tournaments serve as powerful platforms that encourage greater participation, challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that traditional sports can also provide successful professional careers. The league is therefore much more than a sporting event; it represents the continued evolution of kabaddi as an internationally recognised discipline.

For Shariya Manzoor, this historic selection is the outcome of years of unwavering dedication, disciplined training and relentless hard work. Representing Pulwama, she has steadily progressed through the competitive ranks by consistently improving her skills and maintaining a strong commitment to excellence. Her journey serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes across Jammu & Kashmir who dream of wearing their state’s and nation’s colours on prestigious international platforms. Her achievement proves that talent, when supported by perseverance and proper guidance, can overcome geographical and logistical challenges.

A crucial role in Shariya’s development has been played by her coach, Arshid Rather, whose guidance and technical expertise have helped shape her into an elite kabaddi player. Behind every successful athlete stands a dedicated coach who not only develops sporting skills but also instils discipline, confidence, teamwork and mental resilience. Shariya’s success is a testament to the importance of quality coaching and the strong athlete-coach partnership that forms the foundation of sporting excellence.

Congratulating Shariya on her remarkable achievement, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, General Secretary of the J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association, described her selection as the reward for years of commitment and disciplined preparation. He also praised Coach Arshid Rather for his continuous efforts in nurturing Shariya’s talent and preparing her to compete at the international level. Such recognition from the Association reflects the confidence that the sporting fraternity has in her abilities and her potential to excel on one of Asia’s biggest kabaddi stages.

Dr. Gupta further acknowledged the significant contribution of the J&K Sports Council in strengthening the sports ecosystem across the Union Territory. The effective functioning of Khelo India Centres and PMDP Centres has provided aspiring athletes with better access to coaching, training facilities and structured development programmes. These initiatives have become instrumental in identifying young talent at the grassroots level and preparing them for higher levels of competition. He also welcomed the recent decision of the Sports Council to sanction 10 new Kabaddi Centres across Jammu & Kashmir, describing the initiative as a major boost for grassroots development that will enable more young boys and girls to pursue the sport professionally.

Kabaddi in Jammu & Kashmir is presently witnessing unprecedented growth. The sport, once confined primarily to local competitions, is now producing athletes capable of competing on national and international platforms. The participation of two players from Jammu & Kashmir in the Pro Kabaddi League during 2026 already demonstrated the region’s growing stature in Indian kabaddi. Shariya Manzoor’s selection for the inaugural Asian Kabaddi League further strengthens this positive trajectory and reflects the emergence of Jammu & Kashmir as an important contributor to Indian kabaddi.

Beyond the sporting achievement, Shariya’s success also carries a powerful message of women’s empowerment. Her accomplishment will inspire many young girls across Jammu & Kashmir to pursue sports with confidence and determination. It reinforces the idea that with family support, dedicated coaching, quality infrastructure and personal commitment, young women from every corner of the Union Territory can compete alongside the best athletes in Asia. As more female athletes achieve success, they become role models who encourage greater participation in sports and help build a healthier, more confident and empowered society.

As Shariya Manzoor prepares to embark on this historic journey in the inaugural Asian Kabaddi League, she carries with her the hopes of her family, coaches, supporters, Jammu & Kashmir and the nation. Her selection marks another important chapter in the remarkable rise of sports in the Union Territory and serves as a shining example of what determination and opportunity can achieve. The entire sporting fraternity wishes her every success and remains confident that she will proudly represent India while inspiring the next generation of Kashmiri athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.