Jan 12: The Chief Minister today lauded the Jammu and Kashmir contingent for its exceptional performance in Pencak Silat at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, where the team clinched two gold, two silver and one bronze medal, emerging as the Overall Men’s Champions in the discipline. The achievement marks a significant milestone for sports in the Union Territory and reflects the steady rise of J&K athletes on the national stage.
Congratulating the players, coaches, and support staff, the Chief Minister said the impressive medal tally is a clear reflection of the hard work, discipline, and unwavering dedication of the athletes. He noted that such consistent performances are a testament to the growing strength of the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, which is increasingly producing champions across diverse sporting disciplines.
Highlighting the importance of platforms like the Khelo India Games, the Chief Minister observed that national-level competitions provide young athletes with exposure, confidence, and the opportunity to test their skills against the best talent from across the country. He said the success of J&K athletes at the Beach Games demonstrates how structured training, improved infrastructure, and focused talent development are yielding positive results.
Pencak Silat, a dynamic martial art that demands agility, strength, and strategic thinking, has seen growing popularity among youth in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister remarked that the outstanding performance of the J&K contingent not only brings laurels to the Union Territory but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring sportspersons, particularly from rural and remote areas.
He further emphasised that sports play a crucial role in youth empowerment, character building, and social cohesion, while also opening pathways for careers at national and international levels. The government, he said, remains committed to strengthening sports infrastructure, expanding grassroots programmes, and ensuring that talented athletes receive professional coaching and competitive exposure.
The emergence of Jammu and Kashmir as Overall Men’s Champions in Pencak Silat at a prestigious national event underscores the transformation underway in the region’s sporting landscape. Over the past few years, increased participation, better facilities, and institutional support have enabled athletes from J&K to compete with confidence and consistency.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the success at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 would motivate more young people to take up sports and pursue excellence with determination. He reiterated that the administration will continue to support sportspersons, recognising them as ambassadors of peace, resilience, and progress.
The stellar performance of the J&K contingent stands as a proud moment for the Union Territory, reinforcing the message that with opportunity, guidance, and perseverance, athletes from Jammu and Kashmir can achieve excellence and make a lasting mark on the national sporting arena.