Opinion | The Power of Play: Sports for Social Healing in Kashmir

More than 100 kilometers from Srinagar, in one of the remote corners of North Kashmir, I was finishing my evening workout when a sudden noise outside the window caught my attention. It was neither a political rally nor a government program. Stepping out, I saw a group of students shouting with joy: “Zeon ho! Zeon ho!” They had just won the final of a local cricket tournament, and their celebrations were full of sheer excitement and pride,it was like they had really achieved a remarkable feat or done any heroic adventure.This is not an isolated incident or limited to any particular area of Kashmir. Such scenes of celebrations and jubilation are now a common thing in both urban as well as rural Kashmir.

Sports and games, especially cricket, volleyball, football, along with traditional games like kabaddi, kho-kho, and gilli-danda, have always been immensely popular among Kashmiri youth.The sports activities are not merely forms of any entertainment rather they serve to channelize the energy, creativity, and social interaction among the children. In a region where conflict and uncertainty have for a long time dominated daily lives of the people including children. sports provide young people with opportunities of joy, competition, and helping them build confidence,sportsmanship and resilience while strengthening bonds within the society.

  However, beginning in the early 1990s, like different walks of daily life in Kashmir, sports and games also suffered a setback amid the unrest and the turmoil. The uncertainty in the J&K disrupted not only the sports activities but also access to playgrounds.This phase of chaos and disorder overshadowed the carefree spirit of youth with fear and anxiety.Organization of the sports tournaments, school or college level competitions, and informal gatherings became increasingly scarce, leaving a void in the lives of young generation of Kashmiris who had once found joy and solidarity through games.

Any part of the world once hit by unrest, sports activities often bear the brunt of the situation. Playgrounds become deserted,activities are disrupted, and the carefree spirit of youth is shrouded by fear. Regular playing activities,practice sessions in the playgrounds and the buzz of sports events falls silent, leaving young people deprived of the joy, discipline, and brotherhood.There is a shift from excitement to silence and inactivity.

   After decades of lul and inaction, it is heartening to see that our children and the young generation are once again embracing sports with excitement. Not only are the games bring played, but they are also celebrated and there is a joy of victory. Along the daily activities,evening tournaments are being organized across different parts of Kashmir, bringing communities together and reigniting the love for the games especially cricket, football and volleyball.This pleasant revival of sporting culture highlights the resilience of Kashmiri youth and their motivation to reclaim moments of joy and normalcy which was for long missing in their lives.

  Across the valley, many big cricket tournaments are being organized, attracting big crowds and stiff competition. There is now a lot of money involved in the sports especially the cricket.some prominent players earn substantial amounts from team managements for every match they play, the overall prize money and sponsorships for the tournaments. the passion for the game keeps players and spectators engaged, making each match a thrilling experience.Not only cricket, but football tournaments are also being organized across the different parts of the valley. Intresrtingly, Night volleyball tournaments are being organized at multiple places, attracting local talent and enthusiastic crowds. These events are happening at both government and non-government levels, often organized by cricket club, sports associations and department of youth services and sports J&K.

The popularity and the momentum of sports activities, especially the major sporting events, have played a significant role in healing the wounds of a region that has witnessed years of chaos and disturbance. Through the excitement of sports, the joy of victories, and the sense of unity they create, sports have become more than just games,they are a source of hope, resilience, and social inclusion.

Even elders are getting involved, joining the excitement of these tournaments, while players and sponsors of various cricket and football tournaments are also earning good money. These sports events not only bring people together but also create opportunities for livelihood, making the games a source of both joy and economic benefit in the UT.After an engaging spring and summer,towards the end of the sporting season, tournaments continue across all districts of the valley. The excitement, festivity, and thrill of the games bring people together, with people participating, huge crowds cheering, and players and sponsors benefiting financially. These events not only celebrate athletic talent but also help in healing the wounds of the people long affected by unrest.

Winter season in Kashmir transforms the valley into a snowy paradise, making it a perfect place for winter sports. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledging are popular activities, especially in tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. Gulmarg, often referred to as the “Winter Sports Capital of India,” hosts national and international skiing events and offers cable cars, lifts, and well-maintained slopes for athletes and the people alike.these activities attract tourists during the peak winter months, while adventure seekers enjoy snow trekking and snowmobiling in the higher reaches. These winter sports not only provide notable recreational opportunities but also help tourism, create employment, and bring vibrancy to the valley during the winter.