Sopore Teen Sole Select from J&K, Wins Volleyball Bronze for India on International Stage

 

Suhail Khan

 

Sopore, Dec 18: In Kashmir, sports are providing a powerful launchpad for the aspirations of the youth. Whether through cricket, volleyball, or winter sports, young athletes are discovering their potential and achieving remarkable success. Day by day, they are scripting a new narrative of accomplishment, proudly representing Kashmir on national and international stages.

 

The latest success story from Kashmir is Nasir Aijaz Sofi, a 10th-grade student from the Shempora Dangerpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. He has brought glory to Jammu and Kashmir by winning a bronze medal at the Volleyball Championships 2025 in China.

 

Speaking exclusively with Kashmir Convener, Nasir Aijaz Sofi said, “I was the only person selected from Jammu and Kashmir to play at the international level.”

 

He said, “I have had a passion for playing volleyball since childhood. My elder brother used to play in our village, and I was first inspired by him.”

 

“I have played at different levels,” he continued, “from village and school levels to district, state, and national levels. Then, Alhamdulillah, I played at and have now returned from the international level.”

 

“Twenty countries participated,” Nasir said, “and our Indian team secured third place and won the bronze medal.”

 

Regarding his role, Nasir stated, “My position is opposite hitter in the game, and Alhamdulillah, it has been going very well for me.”

 

Speaking about the support he received, he added, “My parents have been tremendously supportive in helping me continue my sports career. My school also played a role in helping me reach this level.”

 

Nasir said, “This is not the end, but a beginning. I will put in more effort and work harder until I bring back a gold medal for my country.”

 

He stated, “Many players from J&K participated in the trials. However, by the grace of Almighty Allah and good fortune, I was selected for this international championship held in China.”

 

Speaking with Kashmir Convener, Nasir’s father, Aijaz Ahmad Sofi, said, “We are at a loss for words to express our gratitude to Almighty Allah for this happiness. My son has reached this stage and represented our country and our state at the international level.”

 

He said, “Children certainly face difficulties in following their passion. But as a father, I have always supported him and will continue to do so, enabling my son to progress further and bring fame to our country and our Kashmir.”

 

Notably, recognizing the critical need to provide meaningful engagement for the youth, the Youth Services & Sports Department of Jammu and Kashmir embarked on a mission to revive sports—not as an occasional luxury, but as a structured, accessible, and inspiring way of life.

 

Its approach has been both strategic and compassionate, building a sporting culture brick by brick. By reaching into schools, panchayats, and remote villages, the Department ensures that no child is left without the opportunity to play, train, and dream. Through tournaments at every level, the revival of school competitions, and the implementation of regular sporting calendars, silent grounds have been transformed into vibrant hubs of activity.

 

The architect of this transformation, Sports Secretary Nuzhat Gul, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the sporting landscape of the Union Territory over the past six years.

 

Her impact extends beyond mere words: every match played in the stadium now stands as more than a contest—it is a demonstration that Kashmir’s youth are vibrant, talented, and ready to excel on national platforms.