69th National School Games Wushu
The 69th National School Games in Wushu (Under-17 Category) for boys and girls concluded on Saturday with great enthusiasm and energy at Government College of Physical Education Ganderbal the Indoor Sports Complex, marking the end of a thrilling sporting spectacle hosted by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K.
In a fitting finale, Team Jammu & Kashmir emerged as the Overall Champion, displaying a commanding performance across both boys’ and girls’ categories. The host contingent clinched 8 medals — including 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze, establishing its dominance on home turf. Rajasthan followed closely as the runner-up, with impressive bouts and spirited participation throughout the competition.The championship witnessed intense and disciplined contests among more than 40 teams from various States and Union Territories, showcasing the rapid rise of Wushu as a leading martial art among school athletes in India.
Among the many memorable performances, J&K’s Jiya Manhas stole the spotlight in the Girls’ 48 kg category, winning Gold with her clinical and composed display. She was also adjudged the Best Female Player of the tournament for her remarkable technical and tactical brilliance.
In the Boys’ section, Mohd Arhaan Parray (70 kg), Suryansh Singh (65 kg), and Mohd Haseeb Sheikh (80 kg) also struck Gold for Jammu & Kashmir, while Kapish Bharat Rakwal (52 kg) and Rutba Shabir (65 kg, Girls) added to the medal tally with Silver medals. Their stellar efforts not only lifted J&K to the top of the medal chart but also reflected the growing sporting culture and youth talent nurtured under the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, J&K.In the Girls’ categories, Gold medals were won by Anushka Dattatraya Jain (Maharashtra, 45 kg), Bhaumika (Chandigarh, 52 kg), Sakshi Pushpakar (Uttar Pradesh, 56 kg), Himani (Rajasthan, 60 kg), Almas Ali Khan (Rajasthan, 65 kg), and Riya Mishra (Rajasthan, 70 kg).
In the Boys’ categories, Gulshan Kumar (Delhi, 45 kg), Nikhil (Delhi, 48 kg), Shaurya (Uttar Pradesh, 52 kg – also declared Best Player among Boys), Mayank Roza (Uttar Pradesh, 56 kg), Anshul Bhati (Uttar Pradesh, 60 kg), and Anshuman (Rajasthan, 75 kg) stood out with Gold-winning performances.The closing ceremony was graced by enthusiastic participation from athletes, coaches, managers, and officials, who applauded the flawless organization of the championship. All Convenors and Officials deployed for the event were felicitated with mementos and certificates in recognition of their dedication and exemplary services during the games.The successful conclusion of the championship reaffirmed Jammu & Kashmir’s growing stature as a national sports hub and its proven capacity to host large-scale events with professionalism, hospitality, and spirit. The accommodation and logistics for all contingents were efficiently managed at the Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for visiting teams.
Sharing the views on the occasion, officials and members of the organizing committee lauded the vision and efforts of the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, J&K, for promoting national-level sporting excellence and providing a vibrant platform for young athletes.The Directorate extended heartfelt congratulations to all medal winners and participants, particularly the home team for their remarkable showing, and expressed its resolve to continue nurturing young sports talent and hosting future national events with equal zeal and efficiency.