• Hamam Hussain clinches gold; Shama, Riyaz bag silvers in gritty show
• Grassroots akhara athletes shine despite limited facilities, seek support
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir made a commanding start at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 on Monday, opening its medal tally with four wrestling medals, one gold, two silver and one bronzeas athletes rising from grassroots akharas overcame limited resources to secure podium finishes on the national stage.
Leading the charge was 28 year old, Hamam Hussain, who clinched the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 97 kg category, marking J&K’s first top-podium finish at the Games. Hailing from RS Pura in Jammu district, Hussain’s successshines after years of hard work in local akharas and district-level facilities.
His coach, Aditya Singh, told Kashmir Horizon that Hussain, a J&K Police personnel, has previously competed in the All India Police Games in the same 97 kg category.
“After completing formal education, he was inducted in J&K Police. He is grass player and was trained at Hanuman Akhara in RS Pura. Most of his practice is done there, along with sessions at DPL Jammu,” Singh said.
Singh said Hussain comes from a non-wrestling background but developed a passion for the sport at a young age.
“There is no traditional wrestling background in his family, but his dedication and interest since childhood have paid off today. It is a proud moment for J&K,” he added.
J&K’s medal tally was further strengthened by two silver medals, including one by J&K Police wrestler ShamaHoo, who finished runner-up in the 97 kg category after an impressive run.
Hailing from the RS Pura belt of Jammu district, Shama, part of the Central Team of J&K Police, displayed grit and consistency throughout the competition held in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. He won four out of his five bouts to reach the final before narrowly missing out on gold.
“It is a good feeling that I have won a silver medal for J&K, but my target was gold. This medal has motivated me to work harder and come back stronger,” Shama said.
Shama’s journey into wrestling began in his childhood, training in open fields and village akharas—an experience shared by many wrestlers from the region.
“I started wrestling in local fields. It has been a long journey, and this medal is a proud moment for me and my entire J&K,” he said.
He credits his elder brother, Mohammad Sadiq, a former wrestler now serving in the Indian Army, as his biggest inspiration. “He trained me, guided me and helped improve my techniques. Even today, he motivates me,” Shama said.
Recalling his family’s reaction, he added, “When my family heard about the medal, they were very happy. My mother, who has passed away, would have been the happiest.”
Shama, who joined J&K Police in 2018, said the department has played a key role in supporting his career. “J&K Police has given me opportunities to grow as an athlete and compete at higher levels,” he said.
Couch Singh said thatShama competed above his natural weight category. “His natural category is 86 kg, but he fought in 97 kg and still reached the final. That shows his potential,” he added.
The second silver medal was bagged by 27 years old, Riyaz Hussain from Dansal, Jammu in Mens Greco-Roman 87kg category.
Coach Aditya Singh said Riyaz, a member of the J&K Police team, has steadily risen through the ranks despite limited exposure.
“He hails from Dansal and trains as a local Bajrangi Akhara wrestler, while also honing his skills during bouts and camps at DPL Jammu,” Singh said.
Singh said this is his first major medal at the national level. He does not come from a traditional wrestling background, but his dedication and consistent effort have brought him this success.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Mohd Wasim Choudhary secured the lone bronze medal. He has been training under Munir Hussain, with experience at the All-India level, who has played a key role in shaping his technique and competitive approach.
“This medal is a big boost for him early in his career. With proper guidance and continued exposure, he has the potential to achieve bigger results in the coming years,” he said.
Singh said that there is need for improved infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is immense talent in rural areas, especially in wrestling. The government must invest in proper training centres, coaching facilities and support systems. If given the right exposure, these athletes can consistently win medals at national and international levels,” he said.
The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, being held across Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja in Chhattisgarh, aim to provide a national platform for athletes from tribal and underserved communities.
