Jammu, May 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) boys’ volleyball team was accorded a grand welcome upon their arrival at Jammu Railway Station on Sunday, following their historic gold medal win at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) held in Patna, Bihar.
The team made history by defeating a strong Uttar Pradesh side in a closely contested final to clinch the championship—marking the first-ever gold medal victory for JKUT in a team event at the prestigious KIYG.
Their return was met with an enthusiastic reception by family members, volleyball lovers, coaches, and officials, who greeted the victorious players with cheers, garlands, and distribution of sweets.
The JKUT squad delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament, captivating spectators with their energy, teamwork, and powerful spikes. Their gold medal triumph is seen as a landmark achievement and a testament to the growing sporting prowess of Jammu and Kashmir on the national stage.
This success is widely credited to the meticulous planning and intensive training efforts of the coaching team, led by Naresh Kumar, Pratik, and Shubham Sharma. Their guidance and strategic preparation played a vital role in shaping the squad into champions.
Congratulating the team, Satish Sharma, Minister of Sports, J&K Government, took to social media, calling the win a “historic achievement.” He assured full support from the government for the continued growth and development of sports across the Union Territory.
The Volleyball Association of J&K, under the leadership of Patron Raj Daluja and President Sidharth Daluja, expressed deep gratitude to Minister Sharma and Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, for their consistent encouragement and logistical support throughout the team’s journey.
Association Executive Member Subash Sharma served as the team manager, efficiently coordinating travel, accommodation, and morale.
The gold-winning team featured talented young athletes drawn from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing high levels of skill, coordination, and athleticism throughout the tournament.
Prominent office bearers of the Volleyball Association of J&K—including CEO Kuldip Magotra, Executive Vice President HS Gill, Treasurer Ramesh Sharma, and General Secretary V.K. Magotra—extended their heartfelt congratulations to the team. They hailed the performance as a proud moment for JKUT and a milestone in the history of volleyball in the region.
“This victory is not just a sporting achievement—it symbolizes the rising sporting culture and youth talent in Jammu and Kashmir,” said CEO Kuldip Magotra.
The association also emphasized the need for continued investment in infrastructure and training facilities, affirming that with better resources, JKUT players can excel at both national and international platforms in the future.
“The triumphant campaign of the JKUT volleyball team at KIYG 2025 has not only inspired young athletes across the region but has also sparked new hope for the future of sports in Jammu and Kashmir,” Kuldip asserted.
The 14-member squad consisted of promising talents from across Jammu and Kashmir: Sahib Kalear, Akash Manhas, Ganik Sharma, Sahil Shamim, Nasir Ajaz Sofi, Karan Rajput, Nitin, Wani Mahir, Abid Gulzar, Bilal Ahmed, Sandeep Singh, Mohit Singh, Kunal Goran, and Rehan Parvez.
