Sports

Girls must be empowered, given freedom of choice says Rashida Simnani first lady Wrestler from Kashmir

Published

3 years ago

March 2, 2021

Asian News Hub Webdesk

Jahangeer Ganaie

(Asian News Hub) – A girl from south Kashmir who has represented J&K at mega-events in Taekwondo and baseball is also the first lady wrestler of Kashmir who has represented J&K at the national level.

Currently teaching martial arts to dozens of girls, Syed Rashida Simnani, 21, a resident of Drabgam village in Rajpora area of Pulwama district who is currently pursuing her graduation degree from Women’s College Srinagar has so far won many medals at national and international tournaments.

Simnani while talking with news agency—KNO, said that she was taking take part in competitions since childhood and got attached to it.

Without any coach and family support initially, Simnani was selected in wrestling in a school-level competition.

“While taking part in school and district level competitions she reached to the national level and become part of the national team in 2017,” she said.

“Twice I have represented J&K at the national level in baseball and in wrestling. I have won a bronze medal in wrestling,” she said, adding that during braid chopping incidents in Kashmir, she started a camp at a government school in her locality to teach women self-defence.

Simnani said later after getting training under an eight week certificate course in Health and fitness from National Sports Authority of India (NSAI) in Patiyala, she was selected to represent India at international Stage in Taekwondo where she got a silver medal.

After winning medals, her family started supporting her and based on my sports achievements, she was appointed as a fitness coach on contractual basis at Women’s College Srinagar, which she continued on a volunteer basis after contract expired.

Simnani said that with a growing crime there is a need to teach girls about self defence and other basics besides that there is a need to empower girls and give them freedom of choice so that they can face any challenge bravely and choose their future themselves.

In absence of any coach and infrastructure, she wasn’t able to pursue her dream as she wants to represent India at various level in wrestling.

“The government especially Sports Authority of India and local sports councils must reach to every athlete especially of rural areas so that their talent won’t go waste and they won’t go discouraged,” she said, adding that at present she is teaching dozens of girls wrestling and other sports in Srinagar as well as in her area.

Sports

India thrash Sri Lanka to win 8th Asia cup

Published

1 week ago

September 17, 2023

Asian News Hub Webdesk

India defeated Sri Lanka in a one-sided final to win the Asia Cup for the 8th time. India last won the tournament in 2018. On Sunday, Mohammed Siraj took 6 for 21 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 50, the lowest ODI team total against India.

INDIA THRASH SRI LANKA TO WIN THEIR 8TH ASIA CUP! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/82Kkc8E0Oq— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 17, 2023

Sports

Anantnag’s all-rounder Rubia Syed to play for Gujarat Giants in Womens’ IPL

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2023

Asian News Hub Webdesk

Rubia Syed Sheikh, a 29-year-old female cricketer from Badasgam village of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has been called up by the Gujarat Giants for the upcoming season of the Women’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rubia is an all-rounder who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace. She has been playing cricket since 2012 and has represented Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for the last ten years. She has also played in the Ranji Trophy and Senior Women’s T-20.

Rubia said, “I received a call from officials who told me that I will be part of the IPL team Gujarat Giants for the upcoming season.”

Rubia said her father, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, a fruit businessman, has always believed in her and supported her. She said there is a lot of excitement among her family members and fans and every one of them wants to see her playing for the Gujarat Giants.

“I will give my best to contribute to the team’s success,” she said.

Jasia Akhter, another female cricketer from south Kashmir’s Shopian district, was selected for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in February this year. She was taken by Delhi Capitals for Rs 20 lakh in the auction. KNO

Sports

Night football tournament lights up Kashmir’s Apple town, triggers enthusiasm

Published

2 months ago

July 19, 2023

Asian News Hub Webdesk

Sopore is witnessing buzzing sports activities during night drawing an impressive crowd to watch matches.

Also Read: Rains wreak havoc in J&K: 3-yr-old, teenagers among 8 killed in house collapse, landslides in Kathua’s Bani

With floodlights illuminating the field, Khushal Sports Stadium has become an epicenter for football enthusiasts in north Kashmir.

Locals told that Khushal Sports Stadium which was usually quiet during evenings is experiencing an electrifying atmosphere now.

The bright floodlights painted the stadium with a magical glow, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable show of talent, they said.

The tournament organizers, along with local football associations, have planned the tournament to ensure a seamless and exciting experience for all.

Enthusiastic cheers, applause, and friendly banter reverberate through the stadium as the players compete passionately under the shimmering floodlights during night.

“I can’t believe we have a football tournament under the stars. The floodlights make it even cooler, and I’m so excited to cheer for my favorite team,” said football aficionado Sameer.