National Softball Umpiring Clinic 2025-26 Kicks Off at Bakshi Stadium

Srinagar, July 29: In a significant step toward promoting softball in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Softball Umpiring Clinic 2025-26 was inaugurated today at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. The three-day clinic, being held from July 29 to 31, is jointly organised by the J&K Sports Council, Softball Association of India, and J&K Softball Association, with support from Fucan Sports Pvt. Ltd.A statement issued here said that Sarmad Hafiz , Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare and Youth Services and Sports, was the Chief Guest and officially declared the clinic open. In his address, Hafiz lauded the growing interest in softball and emphasized its bright future in the Union Territory. “Softball will be among the top sports in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming time,” he said, praising the collective efforts to promote the sport across both urban and rural areas.The opening ceremony was graced by Nuzhat Gul, Secretary J&K Sports Council, and Dr. Pravin Anaokar, Secretary General of the Softball Association of India, as Guests of Honour. Nusrat Gazala, Divisional Sports Officer of the J&K Sports Council, along with prominent representatives from the Softball Association of India including L.R. Maurya, Mistry and  Shakir Ahmad, were also present. Special recognition was given to Mushtaq Zargar for his relentless efforts in organising the event.Nuzhat Gul, in her remarks, reaffirmed the Sports Council’s commitment to promoting sports in every nook and corner of the UT.  “Softball is gaining momentum in J&K, and we are working hard to introduce it in rural belts as well,” she said. Dr. Pravin Anaokar, speaking on the occasion, noted that softball is now played in 148 countries and has made its mark on the Olympic stage.  “It is a game of skill, teamwork, and global appeal. With clinics like this, India is paving the way for future generations of athletes and officials,” he said, commending the J&K Sports Council’s efforts over the past three years in uplifting the sport in the region. The clinic has drawn over 150 umpires from across the country, providing them a platform to upgrade their skills, share knowledge, and enhance the standards of officiating. With sessions led by expert instructors and commissioners, the clinic aims to ensure greater professionalism, fair play and consistency in Indian softball matches.All speakers, including Sarmad Hafiz, Nuzhat Gul, and Dr. Anaokar, praised Waseem Raja, Secretary of the J&K Softball Association, for his unwavering dedication and work in developing softball in Jammu and Kashmir. The inauguration concluded with Sarmad Hafiz officially declaring the National Softball Umpiring Clinic 2025–26 open, marking a new chapter in the growth of softball in the UT and India at large.