Kashmir's Sports Movement Gains Ground, Slowly

In a region marked by conflict and uncertainty, young people are turning to sports to find purpose, belonging, and new opportunities.

- Fasil Ali

For a long time, Kashmir has been caught between its natural beauty and its difficult past.

The mountains have always been here, but life in the valley has often felt stuck. Many young people have grown up with limited chances. Some have found themselves trapped by frustration or pushed toward unhealthy habits. Others have been waiting for safety, work, and something better.

Now, many of them are finding something simple but powerful. They are finding sports.

Whether it's football in village fields, wrestling in local gyms, or skiing on the snowy slopes, sports are opening a door. It's a door to routine, to teamwork, and to the feeling that they can shape their own future.

Playing a sport in Kashmir is not just about winning. It's about having a reason to get up in the morning. It's about learning to stick with something, even when it's hard. It's about losing, trying again, and building trust with people you might not have known before.