Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Dec 05 : Forget the old headlines. In Jammu & Kashmir, a new generation is writing its legacy not with words, but with wins.
For five years running, athletes from the union territory have been on a relentless victory march across national podiums. Now, they’re breaking into world-class competition, proving Kashmir specially, is a powerhouse in the making.
This momentum finds its latest embodiment in Zubair Lone of Qazipora, Tangmarg, who has secured a historic milestone in Indian sports. Lone has become the first Indian snowboarder ever to qualify for the prestigious FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup.
Hailing from the slopes of Gulmarg, Lone is now set to compete against the world’s elite alpine snowboarders. His achievement transforms a local winter pursuit into a global breakthrough, pioneering a new path for Indian winter sports.
According to available details, Lone will represent India at the season-opening World Cup event at the Mylin Ski Resort in China on December 6 and 7. The competition will feature the top one hundred global athletes in his discipline.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Lone stated, “I grew up in Tangmarg and Gulmarg, where snow defines every season and daily life. Today, I stand on the world stage for India with a clear focus: to put India on the global snowboarding map.”
“I carry both responsibility and pride when I wear the national flag,” he added. “My immediate target is to finish among the top thirty-two athletes, which is crucial for qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics.”
Lone emphasized that his rigorous training has honed his technique, equipment, and fitness. He noted that his World Cup entry not only raises the competitive bar for Indian athletes but also opens a viable pathway for others to pursue elite snowboarding.
The China event carries significant weight for qualification to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Fourteen subsequent World Cup events across Europe and North America will determine the final rankings, with only the top thirty-two athletes securing Olympic berths.
Meanwhile, another champion from north Kashmir is shattering barriers and defying stereotypes. Nahida Nabi, a wrestler and kabaddi coach from Sopore, Baramulla, is setting a powerful precedent for women’s excellence in traditionally male-dominated sports.
Speaking with Kashmir Convener, Nabi detailed the personal struggles underpinning her public achievements. “For a woman to pursue such a career, she must first overcome countless doubts, often beginning within her own home. Convincing my parents was an ongoing struggle,” she revealed.
“However, where others saw controversy, my brother saw potential. He became my foundation, providing crucial emotional and financial support. In our conservative environment, his belief was the catalyst that transformed my dreams in wrestling and kabaddi into reality.”
Now competing nationally at the 5th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 in Rajasthan, Nabi described her journey as a dream fulfilled. “I appeal to the girls of Kashmir to come forward, play the sport of your choice, and make everyone proud,” she urged.
Her story unfolds at the ongoing KIUG, which commenced on November 24 and concludes today, December 5. The games feature over 5,000 athletes from more than 200 universities.
The wave of success continues with another young athlete from Sopore’s Zaingir area set to represent the nation. Nasir Aejaz Sufi, a teenager from Sempora, has seen his volleyball dream soar as he secures a spot on Team India for the upcoming U-15 World Championships.
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