Srinagar, Oct 11: The serene waters of Dal Lake came alive with energy and excitement as the Asmita League 2025, a landmark event celebrating women’s empowerment through water sports was inaugurated at the Water Sports Club, Pokhribal. The championship, a spirited initiative under the Khelo India Movement, has been organised by the J&K Association of Kayaking and Canoeing in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, with the aim of promoting adventure sports and nurturing young female athletes from Jammu and Kashmir.
The opening ceremony began with an electrifying Women’s K-1 kayaking race, setting the tone for days of competition, courage, and camaraderie. The rhythmic splashes of paddles across the lake reflected not only the athletes’ skill but also their determination to break barriers and redefine women’s participation in adventure sports.
Chief guest Martand Singh, Scion of the Dogra Royal Family and Trustee of the Hari Tara Charitable Trust, declared the league open, expressing admiration for the athletes’ passion and resilience. “It fills my heart with pride to see the young women of Jammu and Kashmir conquering the waters with courage, conviction, and grace,” he said. “Events like these symbolize a new wave of empowerment, where sports become a medium of strength, unity, and identity.”
Guest of honour Mehmood Shah, Managing Director, Power Development Department, underscored the broader social message behind the event. “Empowering our youth through sports is the most powerful way to illuminate the future of our nation,” he said. “Initiatives like Asmita League help young women realise their potential while inspiring countless others to step forward and participate.”
Commanding Officer Balihar Singh of the 161 Battalion CRPF highlighted the values that bind athletes and the armed forces alike. “Our forces stand for discipline, unity, and determination,virtues that shine through in every athlete participating today. Their commitment to excellence is what builds stronger communities and a stronger nation,” he remarked.
Shafqat Watali, Former IGP and President of the J&K Association of Kayaking and Canoeing, lauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and emphasised that the league represents a significant stride in positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for national-level water sports. “We are witnessing a cultural transformation,” he said. “Women from this region are not only participating but excelling, proving that with the right platform, talent knows no boundaries.”
Earlier, Dr. Burhan Bazaz, President of the J&K Association of Rowing and Sculling, delivered the welcome address, appreciating the growing enthusiasm for water-based sports in the Valley and thanking the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association for their continued support.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Bilquis Mir, the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in water sports, acknowledged the collective efforts of the organisers, athletes, and sponsors. “Asmita, League is more than a competition; it is a celebration of women’s confidence, courage, and competence. It inspires every young girl to dream fearlessly,” she said, receiving loud applause from the audience.
The event drew participation from sports officials, athletes, and dignitaries, including Latief Ahmad, CEO of Colour Curve, and Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, University of Kashmir, who hosted the proceedings. The picturesque setting of Pokhribal provided a fitting backdrop for an event that blended athletic excellence with empowerment, sending a strong message about gender inclusion and sporting unity in Jammu and Kashmir.