Srinagar, Jan 27: Syed Wasim 32, hailing from a small hamlet Karimabad Pulwama was appointed secretary Aainball Federation India in 2015.
For many years, Waseem tried hard to develop this game in the country. He also represented India at the first international Aainball Congress at Casablanca, Morocco. 50 countries participated in this congress.
Aainball is a less known game based on colours, concentration and coordination. The sport was founded by Mohammad Hamane in 2009 in Morocco and the game is being played across Europe and Africa.
It is a mix of football, basketball and handball and is a no physical contact sport as such both boys and girls can be members of a playing team. Each team has 8 players, 4 playing and 4 substitutes.
“I feel honoured and proud that I represented India at the international forum, ” said Wasim. He also said that he is working hard to bring this sport in the state.”
“I am right now working hard to bring the talent to fore in the state. My desire is to see Kashmiri youth playing at the international level and in the next Olympic’s.”
“We have organised many sports and education events in India. We are now going to organise more events in the state that would promote the sports culture in Kashmir, said Waseem.
He is passionate about promoting the sports culture in Kashmir. I believe if Kashmiris are given proper platform and a chance to show their worth, they would not lag behind , they are gifted and talented,” he added.
Talking about the future plans, Waseem promised that he will organise events in near future that would be telecast live from here.
Now Aainball is being played in 26 states. “We have conducted 4 national championships so far, and participated in the world cup where India got silver.”
In 2021, a triangular series was conducted in Srinagar at synthetic ground Dalgate in which 2 countries Morocco and Jordan came to participate in 2021.
Waseem said that academies are set in different states for training and coaching. “We are more into primary school level to develop and train young kids physically and mentally, as this game is based on concentration and color.”
We are also trying our best to get this into university games, sports ministry, school level games, Waseem said.
