TGK News Desk
Baramulla: Punit Balan Group (PBG) is supporting aspirations of youths from Jammu & Kashmir since 2018 so they can compete in international competitions across various sporting disciplines. On Tuesday, the group signed valley’s only international cyclist, Bilal Ahmad Dar, who is a recognised athlete. PBG will support Dar’s dream of competing for India in the Olympics.
Punit Balan is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, social worker, sports lover and has been working with the Indian Army since 2018 to promote free education and rebuild lives of children jeopardised by drugs and militancy in the valley. Balan Group is dedicated to supporting youngsters in achieving their dreams as they remain committed to fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
Speaking about this exciting onboarding, “Jammu & Kashmir has immense potential and talent and I am committed to promote and support these athletes so that they can fulfil their dreams to represent India and compete professionally and win medals for the country. Through Punit Balan Group and Indrani Balan Foundation, we aim to take numerous initiatives to bring the youth of this region into mainstream sports, said Chairman and Managing Director, Punit Balan Group in a statement issued to The Global Kashmir.
Bilal Ahmad Dar hails from Kawoosa village in Budgam district and was spotted during a talent hunt in Srinagar. He went on to represent the country globally. He demonstrated tremendous skill, dedication and tenacity and won a silver and bronze medal at the Asian Junior Championship, (2019).
“I am extremely happy with the faith shown by Punit Sir and his team in me. My aim is to represent India at the Olympics and I am working hard to make this dream come true. I am confident with all the support I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts,” said the acclaimed Cyclist.
The group has so far supported close to 5000 youths including athletes, Afreen Hayder (Taekwondo), Muhammad Saleem (Cycling) Umar Shah (Cricket) and Umeer Syed (Kho Kho).
Notably, Punit Balan Group with his ambition to provide free education to Kashmir’s children, Punit Balan became the first non-J&K entrepreneur to start working on children’s education and other development projects in the Union Territory since the repeal of Article 370.
The organisation has also assisted Kashmiri athletes in their aspirations to compete in international events. Punit Balan is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, social worker, sports lover, and, most notably, the chairman of the Indrani Balan Foundation, which has undertaken numerous initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir while also continuing humanitarian work in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other Indian states.