Minister announces Support for Promotion of Traditional Sports
R S Pora :Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Wednesday attended the traditional Dangal organised by the Dangal Committee, R.S. Pura, at Bana Singh Stadium, here, on the eve of Dussehra, witnessing an impressive display of strength, skill and sporting spirit.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of wrestlers from different regions and attracted a large gathering of sports enthusiasts and local residents. More than 100 bouts were held during the Dangal, reflecting the enduring popularity of traditional wrestling and its deep cultural roots in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shera Gujjar of Haryana emerged as the winner of the main bout, while Bhupinder Ajnala of Punjab secured the runner-up position. The winner was awarded a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while the runner-up received ₹80,000. A first maali carrying a prize of ₹1.80 lakh was also among the major attractions of the event. Overall, cash prizes exceeding ₹6 lakh were distributed among the participating wrestlers, recognising their talent, dedication and sporting excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma appreciated the Dangal Committee, R.S. Pura, for preserving and promoting the rich tradition of wrestling and providing a platform for wrestlers to showcase their abilities. He observed that traditional sports are an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage and play an important role in nurturing discipline, physical fitness, courage and sportsmanship among young people.
The Minister emphasised that wrestling and other indigenous sporting disciplines deserve sustained encouragement alongside modern sports. He said that grassroots sporting events help identify emerging talent, provide opportunities to young athletes and strengthen community participation in sports.
Satish Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, encouraging youth participation and creating opportunities for talented sportspersons to excel at district, national and international levels. He stressed that sporting activities can serve as a constructive channel for youth energy, fostering confidence, discipline and a spirit of healthy competition.
The Minister also appreciated the participation of wrestlers from Haryana, Punjab and other areas, noting that such sporting gatherings promote brotherhood, mutual respect and cultural exchange among people from different regions.
The Dangal was attended by former Minister Sham Choudhary, former Minister and President of Jatt Sabha Manjeet Singh, SSP J&K Police and international wrestler Dushayant Sharma among other dignitaries and sports enthusiasts.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the participating wrestlers, guests and spectators for making the event a success and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the tradition of organising Dangal competitions in R.S. Pura.
The event concluded amid enthusiasm and appreciation for the wrestlers, highlighting the continuing relevance of traditional wrestling as both a sporting discipline and an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural legacy.
