The Kashmir Dialogues
Baramulla, one of the oldest and most culturally rich districts of Jammu & Kashmir, has become the epicenter of a sporting revolution through Varmul Gindo 2025. This month-long sports festival, held during the vibrant summer of June, brought together more than 1,600 young athletes across 20 different disciplines. Beyond the numbers, the event became a powerful symbol of unity, youth empowerment and a peaceful future forged on the playing fields of the valley.
From football stadiums echoing with cheering fans to snooker halls holding tense silence, every venue in Baramulla transformed into a theatre of dreams. Organized jointly by the district administration, local sports bodies and the Indian Army’s Dagger Division, Varmul Gindo 2025 aimed not only to discover talent but also to cultivate community spirit. It delivered both with resounding success.
Twelve venues across the district hosted sports ranging from popular games like cricket, volleyball and football to niche but emerging events like fencing, karate and women’s rugby. The diversity of games was not just a spectacle, it reflected the multifaceted potential of Kashmir’s youth. While football and volleyball attracted massive crowds and intense school rivalries, the real charm lay in the rising stars of lesser-known sports. The snooker tournament, for example, was dominated by mental precision and strategic flair, winning over spectators who were experiencing cue sports at this scale for the first time.
Crucially, Varmul Gindo 2025 succeeded in breaking longstanding social and gender barriers. The participation of girls in events such as badminton, table tennis and rugby underlined a significant shift in societal mindset. For many families, it was the first time their daughters competed publicly. The sight of mothers cheering for their daughters in rugby or volleyball matches was as empowering as the victories themselves. Stories of triumph, struggle and sportsmanship rippled across the district. Varmul Gindo gave talents a rare and invaluable opportunity to perform on a public platform, often for the first time in their lives.
The organizational excellence of the event deserves special mention. The combined efforts of the civil administration, Army units and volunteers ensured that each venue was well-prepared, safe and inclusive. From transportation and food stalls to security and medical aid, every detail was accounted for. This kind of logistical synergy between military and civil institutions set a benchmark for future sports events in the region. Moreover, the ethical conduct of the games, overseen by certified referees and coaches, added credibility to the outcomes and boosted athlete morale.
But perhaps the most enduring legacy of Varmul Gindo 2025 lies in the renewed identity it is carving for Baramulla. Long associated in media narratives with conflict and strife, the district now has a fresh story to tell—one of hope, youth power and transformation through sport. For a region like Kashmir, where perceptions are often skewed, events like Varmul Gindo serve as visual proof that peace and progress can go hand in hand.
The festival was also a cultural confluence. Traditional music performances, stalls featuring Kashmiri handicrafts and local cuisine added a festive air to the venues, turning them into hubs of joy and interaction. The vibrant ambience proved that sports, when integrated with culture, become a true celebration of identity.
Social media played a vital role in amplifying the reach of Varmul Gindo 2025. Daily updates, match results, athlete stories and photo features were widely shared, allowing the event to touch not just locals but also a national audience. Videos of young children emulating their favorite players and posts showing proud parents displaying their children’s medals became viral moments, contributing to a digital movement around the event.
As the curtains fall on Varmul Gindo 2025, the question arises—what next? District officials have expressed their desire to institutionalize the event as an annual affair, with expanded budgets and wider participation. Talks are already underway to create a dedicated sports academy in Baramulla, which would offer professional training to identified talents. There are also proposals to align the festival with national sports bodies, enabling selected athletes to enter state and national-level tournaments.
The success of Varmul Gindo 2025 has also inspired neighboring districts to consider similar models. Delegations from Kupwara and Bandipora have visited Baramulla to study the execution of the event, suggesting a ripple effect that could transform the entire region into a sporting belt. If supported with consistent funding, institutional backing and community involvement, Varmul Gindo could very well become a turning point in the athletic history of Jammu & Kashmir.
More than medals and trophies, Varmul Gindo has gifted the youth of Baramulla a sense of purpose. For the children who ran across makeshift tracks, leapt over volleyball nets, or strategized over a chessboard, this was more than just a competition. It was a declaration—that they too can dream, achieve and be celebrated.
As the last match concluded and floodlights dimmed, what remained was not just the echo of applause, but a palpable shift in the air. A shift towards possibility. A shift towards a Baramulla where sports are not just pastimes but pathways to pride and progress. Varmul Gindo 2025 will be remembered as the year when Kashmir’s spirit sprinted, scored and soared on the back of its youth.
Faisal Khankashi
Sheikh Sameer
