The Kashmir Dialogues
The Indoor Stadium in Khawaja Bagh pulsed with raw energy, echoing with roars of the crowd, sharp calls of raiders, and the thunder of defenders hitting the mat. At the heart of Varmul Gindo 2025, kabaddi stole the spotlight—igniting Baramulla with passion, purpose, and powerful stories of determination.
In a day packed with nine intense matches, 90 young athletes from across the district showcased not just physical strength, but the very essence of teamwork, strategy, and resilience. The stands, filled with over 150 enthusiastic spectators, bore witness to a sporting revival deeply rooted in the soil of Kashmir.
Kabaddi: More Than a Game
Often called the “game of the soil,” kabaddi at Varmul Gindo was more than a competition—it was a cultural revival. For the youth of Baramulla, it became a stage to express discipline, self-belief, and community pride.
Among the breakout stars was Sajid Ahmad, a 19-year-old from Khawaja Bagh whose speed and confidence on the mat lit up the stadium. Dreaming of representing Jammu & Kashmir on the national stage, Sajid’s story is one of self-discipline and sheer willpower.
“I train every morning before school,” he shared. “Kabaddi teaches me focus and keeps me grounded.”
From Uri came another standout story—Waseem Lone, a former cricketer turned kabaddi defender. Two years ago, he switched sports to find connection and purpose. His last-minute tackle in a nail-biting match with just a one-point win earned thunderous applause.
“Kabaddi gave me a family,” Waseem said. “Every time I step on the mat, I feel stronger.”
A Platform for Rural Talent
What made the event truly remarkable was the participation of rural youth, many experiencing an indoor stadium atmosphere for the first time. Under the umbrella of Chinar YUVA, part of the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, the kabaddi segment was organized to encourage grassroots talent and uplift local sports culture.
The initiative not only gave these players visibility but empowered them with a sense of purpose and pride. Each match was a chapter in a larger story of aspiration and transformation.
Baramulla’s Spirit: Unbreakable and Rising
As dusk settled over the stadium, the energy remained electric. Kabaddi at Varmul Gindo 2025 proved to be more than an event—it became a symbol of unity, youth empowerment, and cultural resurgence. The athletes, cheered on by the crowd, walked off not just as players, but as icons of a movement that’s reclaiming Baramulla’s sporting legacy.
The echoes of this kabaddi showdown will long resonate—not just within the stadium walls, but in the hearts of all who witnessed it. In Baramulla, kabaddi is no longer just a sport—it’s a spark of transformation.
Faisal Khankashi
Sheikh Sameer
