Kupwara’s Female Wushu Players Shine At Khelo India Games

HANDWARA: Four female Wushu players from north Kashmir's Kupwara district, upon their return from the Khelo India Wushu Women’s League on Tuesday said their performances have further motivated them to train hard for upcoming national events.

The J&K team won 21 medals (5 Gold, 7 Silver and 9 bronze medals) in the Khelo India North Zone Wushu Women’s League Championship held at Dehradun from 27th to 31st December 2023.

Mehreen Banday, Pakeeza Qurashi, Rasiba Jaan and Salika were part of the J&K contingent competing in the Wushu League in Uttarakhand. Among them, Salika won Gold, while the other three players secured Silver.

Speaking KNO, Mehreen said they initially underwent trials in Srinagar for Khelo India women's teams, during which they secured Gold.

Subsequently, they were selected for the Federation Cup, leading to their participation in the Uttarakhand event based on their performances.

Mehreen said she is preparing for the Wushu games to be held in Goa, and aims to secure another Gold.

Pakeeza Qureshi expressed happiness with their performance, saying it boosts the morale of other players to participate in games.

Salika Tariq expressed pride in taking part in the Khelo India games in Uttarakhand, saying it has encouraged them to train even harder for future events.

Rasiba Jaan, another winner, said both boys and girls should take up sports and promote fitness.

Meanwhile, locals appreciated the performance of these players, saying that winning medals would further encourage them and other aspiring girls to take up sports and fulfill their dreams.