How Did the J&K Volleyball Team Overcome Adversity to Win Gold at KIYG 2025?

Patna, May 9 (NationPress) In the midst of the turmoil in the Kashmir valley marked by air strikes and drone assaults following the tragic Pahalgam terror attacks, four young boys from the region have created a remarkable narrative filled with courage, resilience, focus, and a gold medal.

During the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 in Bihar, the Jammu and Kashmir boys’ volleyball team secured the first gold medal for their State by triumphing over Uttar Pradesh with a score of 3-1 in a fiercely contested final. The match score of 35-33, 19-25, 25-17, 25-21 tells a gripping tale, but the real essence lies in the hearts of the players who achieved this.

The team members, Wani Mahir (Srinagar), Sahil Shamim (Anantnag), Abid Gulzar (Ganderbal), and Nasir Ajaz (Baramulla), along with their teammates, bore not just the aspirations of their team, but also the burdens of a region marred by conflict.

Just weeks before the final, the Pahalgam terror attack on innocent visitors had deeply unsettled the valley. Yet, they showcased their skills by blocking, spiking, and diving—playing not out of fear, but with pure passion.

Coach Naresh Kumar, an experienced mentor who previously guided J&K to a bronze medal in school games, described this achievement as a “victory of heart”. He praised the dedication demonstrated by his players over recent months, expressing optimism for their futures, stating that this is merely the beginning of their journey.

“This victory holds immense significance. The people back home craved something to feel proud of again. We aspired to deliver that,” said Abid Gulzar, his voice steady yet brimming with pride, as he spoke to SAI Media.

Wani Mahir, who has previously represented India at the U-18 Asian Championships in Bahrain, shared that the team’s goal was to bring back a positive message to their homeland.

Both Mahir and Nasir have received training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, where they honed their skills alongside senior players, preparing for opportunities like this.

Meanwhile, Abid Gulzar and Sahil Shamim relied on their family support. Abid, whose passion for the sport is inherited, trained under his father, Shamim Ahmed, a former Indian player, learning the game from the grassroots. Sahil has emerged from local circuits, driven by ambition despite limited access to urban facilities.

Their journey from makeshift courts to national acclaim speaks volumes. “We hope our story demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, something beautiful can emerge,” remarked Sahil.

As the players proudly lifted their medals, it signified more than just a court victory; it represented a triumph of hope, determination, and youth daring to dream beyond the net.