In Kashmir, students turn to basketball for respite from turmoil and curfews

Kashmir, that firdaus, that heaven on Earth, has for decades been a place as cursed with violence as it's been blessed with beauty. India's northernmost state has been especially facing unrest and conflict over the last few months: the killing of Burhan Wani by Indian security forces in July set off a series of protests in the state which led to eventual clashes between Indian paramilitary forces and the citizens. Many districts in the state have faced curfew in the duration and aftermath of these clashes.

But, after more than three months of being held prisoner in their own homes, many young students in Srinagar - Jammu and Kashmir's capital - found respite as they headed outdoors for basketball.

The Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council (JKSSC) took a step in diverting the attention of students and youth from the ongoing disturbance in the Kashmir Valley by hosting a basketball tournament in Srinagar, reported ANI. The tournament was held at the newly inaugurated Indoor Stadium in the city from November 1-3, 2016, and said to have involved over 100 participants.

Via ANI on Business Standard

Around 100 students participated in the tournament and expressed relief at coming out of their homes after more than three months. Some said that the disturbed situation in the valley had taken a toll of their physical and mental health, and hampered their studies and extracurricular activities. They said the tournament had provided them with some relief and has filled them with hope.
"If tournaments like this are organised, then children will be gainfully occupied. It is almost going to be four months since the curfew was imposed in the valley. Schools have been closed and children want to be involved in such curricular activities," said Rehan, a player.

We know that basketball is not going to solve any problems, but it can definitely be a small part of the solution. The Valley has had its share of suffering and turmoil in recent months; kudos to the JKSSC for helping a few young players find some respite in the distraction of this wonderful game!

Basketball de-registered as a sport in Jammu and Kashmir

It's no secret that basketball has struggled to take off in India's northern-most state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), despite the efforts of many outside onlookers who have fallen in love with the region as much as they love the sport itself. But even a struggling sport is better than a non-existent sport. Basketball in J&K was on a life-line for several years; now, Rising Kashmir has reported that the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council (JKSSC) has taken it completely off life support. Essentially, this means that end of the J&K State Basketball Federation and the end of all funding for basketball in the state.

This is truly disturbing news. Basketball was one of six sports recently de-registered by the JKSSC, including Kayaking and Canoeing, Swimming, Softball, Roller Skating and Body Building.

"When the associations do not maintain the things which they ought to, obviously we are not left with other option than to derecognize them,” Abdul Qayoom Baba, Sports Officer, Kashmir told Rising Kashmir. "These Associations who have been derecognized are not maintaining the accounts, not holding elections, unofficially conducting the trials and so on and thus disturbing the constitution of the sports council, compel us to do so."

Last week, the J&K Basketball Association even conducted selection trials for the state's team for the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) organized National Championship, set to be held in New Delhi from the end of February. But Qayoom Baba commented that the trials were conducted without the permission of the JKSSC and without screening, so the certificates given to the participants would be of no use.

Despite the state federation's ineffectiveness, their struggles to conduct better district and state-level competitions, and therefore, the poor performances of J&K players at the national level, the state was able to participate in most Indian national tournaments, even as minnows. School teams and clubs from J&K would also make the effort of joining BFI or NBA organized recreational leagues in Punjab, New Delhi, etc. Over the last few years, foreign coaches like JD Walsh and Shahid Bhat have done a valiant job to bring national and international attention to the sport in the state.

Unfortunately, now we won't be seeing the Jammu & Kashmir contingents in national championships, at least in the near future. And talented players from the position would have to look for other ways to find support for their basketball dreams beyond the state.

Basketball in J&K is dead, but hoop-heads in the region and beyond will be hoping that it can be resurrected as soon as possible.

Srinagar hosts National Deaf Basketball Championship

Eight years ago, Pune hosted India's first ever National Basketball tournament for the deaf, a relatively small event featuring teams from seven different Indian states.

Today, the championship has grown impressively in size and stature: the National Deaf Basketball Championship, which will be held for the 6th time, is set to feature around 200 players and 30 officials from all over the country. The tournament will tip off today in Jammu and Kashmir, at the Tyndale Biscoe School in Srinagar.

This will be the first time that J&K will host a national tournament for the deaf.

Via Kashmir Images:

Secretary, J&K State Sports Council (JKSSC), Kiran Wattal said... the tournament will provide an insight in and encouragement to the spectators who will get an opportunity to witness participation of some 200 special category players and 30 officials from different Indian states. “National level special category players will also participate in the tournament,” Mittal added.

The 6th National Deaf Basketball Championship will be organized by All J&K Sports Association of the Deaf, in collaboration with the JKSSC and the All India Council of the Deaf, New Delhi.