Sopore, October 5, 2026: The first-ever North Kashmir Women’s Sports Festival began at Government Degree College for Women, Sopore, bringing together around 900 athletes from 14 Degree Colleges and five Higher Secondary Schools across North Kashmir.
The three-day sports festival was formally inaugurated by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Shri Ram Nivas Sharma (IAS), who attended as the Chief Guest. Secretary Higher Education Shri Safqat Iqbal and SSP Sopore Shri Iftikhar Talib attended as Guests of Honour.
Principal of the host college, Prof. Subeena Chiloo, along with senior officials, principals, physical directors, faculty members and representatives of the media fraternity, were present on the occasion.
The inaugural ceremony began with an Izband ceremony performed by students of the college, reflecting the region’s cultural traditions.
The dignitaries felicitated key contributors to the event, including sponsor Mr. Ajaiz Ahmad Bhat of Lazzat Masala and Executive Engineer Javed Hussain Faktoo. Physical Directors from across North Kashmir were also recognized for their contribution to promoting sports and physical education.
In her welcome address, Prof. Subeena Chiloo welcomed the guests and participating athletes and highlighted the importance of creating greater opportunities for young women in sports.
The ceremony also witnessed the release of the college’s Bi-Annual Newsletter and its annual magazine, MEHAK.
Around 900 athletes will compete across seven sporting disciplines during the three-day festival. Participants from colleges and Higher Secondary Schools across North Kashmir are taking part in the competitions.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmad Bhat, College Physical Director and Sports Coordinator, presented a detailed overview of the festival and its objectives. Prof. Zubair Syed Masoodi conducted the proceedings, while Prof. Pervez Ahmad Dar delivered the vote of thanks.
The festival is being described as a significant step towards strengthening women’s participation in sports in North Kashmir. It provides young athletes with a platform to showcase their talent, compete at a wider level and pursue sporting excellence.
The event is also being attended by principals of Degree Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools from North Kashmir, along with members of the region’s media fraternity.
