Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 26: A young girl from South Kashmir’s Shopian district has won a bronze medal in National Winter Biathlon Championship—2025 held in Gulmarg.
Saima Jan (24), daughter of Ahmad Sheikh of Chotipora area of Shopian district, won a gold medal in the National Curling Championship last month.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Saima said that she was interested in sports activities since her childhood and used to take part in sports activities at the local level.
She won a gold medal in the National Curling Championship last month followed by a bronze medal in the National Biathlon Championship—2025.
Saima emphasized the importance of engaging youth in sports activities to prevent drug use and antisocial behavior. She highlighted that sports provide a positive outlet, build self-esteem, promote healthy habits, foster a sense of community, and teach valuable life skills like teamwork and discipline, serving as a protective factor against negative influences.
In her message to the youth of J&K, she encouraged them to showcase their talents by actively participating in various events, particularly in school-level games.
She urged them to take advantage of initiatives like Khelo India Mission, which provides opportunities for young athletes, helping them stay away from drug addiction and safeguard their families from its harmful effects.
Saima said that though sports infrastructure in J&K needs to be upgraded, the government has been working to upgrade sports infrastructure in J&K and encouraged youth to make the most of the opportunities available to them—(KNO)
