- Bahadur, Diler secure silver; Inzmam bags bronze
- Couch calls for better infrastructure, sustained support
Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh)|March, 31: Jammu and Kashmir wrestlers continued strong performance on Day 7 of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, securing two silver and one bronze medal in men’s events, strengthening UT’s presence in wrestling at the national-level competition.
Bahadur Khan from Jammu led the charge with a silver medal in the men’s freestyle 86kg category, reaching the final after a series of impressive bouts before finishing runner-up to Himachal Pradesh’s Sumit Thakur.
The young wrestler playing from J&K Police displayed consistency and technical control throughout the competition.
Similarly, in the Greco-Roman category, Diler Khan added another silver medal for J&K in the 130kg division. He advanced to the final with dominant performances but had to settle for second place after losing to Madhya Pradesh’s Shiva Bhalavi.
18 year Inzmam from Samba contributed to the medal tally by securing a bronze in the 77kg Greco-Roman event. He fought his way through the rounds to finish third, ensuring a third podium finish for the Union Territory on the day.
Senior Wrestling Coach Aditya Singh told Kashmir Horizon that the results reflect steady progress in wrestling standards in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said it is encouraging to see multiple wrestlers reaching the podium at a national event, which indicates that the athletes are responding well to training and competition exposure.
“There is lot of talent in J&K, but consistent support in terms of facilities, coaching and competitive opportunities is essential for these athletes to convert such performances into gold medals,” Singh said.
He also pointed out that wrestlers from the region often compete under challenging conditions, including limited access to advanced training facilities.
“With better planning and investment at the grassroots level, J&K can produce more consistent medal winners in the future,” Singh added.
Meanwhile, as wrestling event concluded on Tuesday, the focus will be on building on the current momentum by enhancing training programmes, improving access to modern infrastructure, and ensuring regular participation in national competitions.
Earlier J&K won four wrestling medals, one gold, two silver and one bronze asathletes rising from grassroots akharas overcame limited resources tosecure podium finishes on the national stage.
