Dr Suheel Rasool Mir
Bandipora, November 24: Nizam-ud-Din Wani- a veteran sportsman and one of the founding fathers of Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Bandipora, passed away on Sunday Morning at District Hospital Anantnag. He was 81.
Family sources said Wani had been unwell for the past few months and breathed his last at the hospital. A large number of people from all walks of life turned up to participate in the Nimaz-e-Jinazah of the deceased at Jamia Qadeem Nebripora Bandipora. Imam-e-Hai Bandipora Moulana Khursheed Anwar Naqashbandi led the prayers. Wani was later laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard adjacent to the Jamia Qadeem. He is survived by a son and a daughter. His son, Dr. Khalid Parvaiz, serves as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag.
Soon after his demise, Kashmir’s sporting fraternity paid heartfelt tributes, mourning the loss of a remarkable figure. Nazimuddin Wani, an icon and a legend leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the field of sports.
As an eminent sportsman and philanthropist, N.D Wani, born in 1944, touched countless lives with his vision, compassion, and leadership. He worked closely with the late Gh. Nabi Khan, lovingly known by his nickname Dada Sir for the promotion of sports in the district.
Sports enthusiasts told Kashmir Convener that Gh. Nabi Khan stood firmly behind N.D Wani all through his life, offering unwavering support that strengthened Wani’s resolve and helped transform his dreams into reality. “His (Dada Sir’s) generosity, wisdom, and constant encouragement not only empowered Nazimuddin Wani but also uplifted countless people across the district. Together, their partnership became a symbol of service, vision, and commitment towards the betterment of Bandipora,” locals said.
Renowned for his exceptional volleyball skills and scouts, Wani went on to serve as the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Volleyball Sports Association during the early 1990s—a period when the Kashmir Valley was deeply overshadowed by violence and uncertainty.
Even in those turbulent years, he stood at the forefront, carrying the torch of sports in North Kashmir, ensuring that the spirit of athleticism in Bandipora never died out. Fearless, honest, and deeply committed to his mission, he dedicated his life to nurturing and sustaining the sports culture of the region.
Wani envisioned Bandipora Sports Stadium standing proudly at par with national-level grounds, and he worked tirelessly towards that dream. “Even in the final years of his life, he would often call us just to inquire about the sports activities in Bandipora—his passion remained unshaken until his last breath,” young sportspersons told Kashmir Convener.
“It was because of N.D Wani and Dada Sir that Bandipora has a beautiful stadium. In early 90s’ when some people wanted to change the use of SK Stadium, these two figures stood firm like a rock against the wave and didn’t allow the stadium to get ruined,” local sportspersons recalled.
Nazimuddin Wani’s legacy is not just in the stadium he helped build, but in the generations he inspired, the sporting culture he revived, and the dream he planted in all of us: that Bandipora could rise, compete, and shine on the national stage. His life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and an unbreakable love for his community.
From his youth upto his final days, Nazimuddin Wani held Bandipora together with a single purpose to preserve its sporting ethos and lift its potential.
One of his closest colleagues, Gh. Hassan Mir, former District Football Association member and now Secretary of the ND Wani Sports Foundation Bandipora, recalls how Nazimuddin’s creativity, sincerity and tireless efforts placed Bandipora on the sporting map of Jammu and Kashmir.
He remembers vividly how Nizam ud din once wrote to Prime Minister Narsimha Rao, advocating for the development of the Bandipora Stadium, and how countless times he found him drafting letters to India’s top leaders, relentlessly pushing for Bandipora’s progress. “He was a man of honesty and credibility,” Mir says. “And today, we carry his mission forward through this foundation”.
Just a few days before his passing, as he lay on his deathbed, Nazimuddin Wani continued to express concern for Bandipora. His last wish was to see the Bandipora Stadium completed in its full form and glory. Beyond sports, he was equally passionate about showcasing Bandipora’s tourism potential, Mir told Kashmir Convener.
He even wrote to LG Manoj Sinha about the region’s unexplored tourist sites. “ND wani foundation stands committed to carrying forward his mission — with the same honesty, dedication, and love for Bandipora that he lived and dreamed for,” Mir added.
Meanwhile senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nizamuddin Wani.
He described Wani as a distinguished and principled personality, known for his humility and quiet dedication to sports and public life. He said Wani was a man whose conduct and values silently shaped the character of Bandipora. Individuals like him, Bhat noted, enrich the moral fabric of society through their integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment to the collective good.
Praying for eternal peace to the departed soul, the MLA extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He said Wani’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide the people of Bandipora for years to come.
Former MLA Usman Majid also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Wani, saying, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Nizamuddin Wani, a towering figure whose lifelong contribution to the sports and youth of Bandipora is truly commendable. Bandipora has lost a sincere well-wisher, and his absence will be profoundly felt. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and give strength to the bereaved family.”
Muhammad Rafiq Haji senior soccer coach and sportsman, who has worked with nizamuddin bereaved the loss of his teacher calling him a visionary personality and also recalled the moment.
He said ND wani has immensely contributed to Bandipora sports during his time. “I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Nizam sahab. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired the entire Bandipora.
Today, we bid farewell to a man whose kindness, wisdom, and integrity shaped not only Sports culture in Bandipora but developed the foundation of Bandipora stadium.
He saw sports beyond the profits, investing in people and the future of Bandipora. He left this world better than you found it, and his legacy will be remembered forever.
Nizamuddin Wani was among the most eminent and dedicated sports personalities of Bandipora someone who consistently fought for the region’s sporting development with rare courage and conviction. Today, Bandipora Stadium stands as one of the finest sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, but the community can never forget the relentless struggle of Nazimuddin Wani, who poured his sweat, labour, and unwavering commitment into its development. He worked through immense challenges, often confronting strong opposition from sections of the local community who vehemently resisted the idea of constructing a stadium. Yet, his resolve never wavered”.
Prominent footballer Tahir Maqbool Beigh recalled that when he first joined the field as a registered player, he had the privilege of meeting Nazimuddin Wani, whose very presence was inspiring. He said Wani always encouraged him, boosted his confidence and kept his morale high. Beigh noted that every visit to Wani’s residence revealed his remarkable energy and activity even in his seventies — his passion remained ageless and his dedication unmatched.
He said Wani was more than a sportsman; he was a visionary whose heart beat for Bandipora. Reflecting on his legacy, Beigh added that Wani’s deep commitment to the town was evident in his tireless efforts to uplift local sports, create opportunities for youth and build the foundation of the vibrant sporting culture Bandipora enjoys today.
Today, when we look at the beautiful Bandipora Sports Stadium with the energy of children, youngsters, and athletes, we must not forget the sacrifice and silent struggle of Nizam ud Din Wani. He was not just a sportsman; he was the heartbeat of this ground.
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