The National Softball Umpiring Clinic 2025–26, jointly organised by the J&K Sports Council, Softball Association of India, and J&K Softball Association, concluded Thursday at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, with remarkable participation from across the country.
The event, which commenced on July 29, was supported by Fucan Sports Pvt Ltd and aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of softball umpires, thereby promoting the sport’s growth nationwide.A statement issued here said that a total of 150 umpires from various states and Union Territories took part in the training, making the clinic a resounding success.The concluding ceremony was presided over by Javed Ur Rehman, Divisional Sports Officer Central, J&K Sports Council, as the Chief Guest.
Among the Guests of Honour were Dr Pravin Anaokar, Secretary General of the Softball Association of India and Nusrat Gazala, Divisional Sports Officer Kashmir. Other dignitaries present included L.R. Maurya, Mistry, Shakir Ahmad, and Shivraj Singh, representing the Softball Association of India. Speaking on the occasion, Javed Ur Rehman reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to promoting sports across the Union Territory:
“The J&K Sports Council remains dedicated to fostering sports and games in every nook and corner of Jammu & Kashmir. Under the dynamic leadership of the Secretary, J&K Sports Council, we are working towards promoting the beautiful game of softball, especially in rural areas.” Nusrat Gazala commended the government’s focused efforts on sports development and said:
“The tremendous efforts being made to promote sports and games across Jammu and Kashmir are beginning to yield promising results, and softball is a key part of that momentum.” Dr Pravin Anaokar, Secretary General of the Softball Association of India, praised the region’s growing influence in the sport. “Softball in Jammu and Kashmir is reaching new heights. In the coming years, we envision J&K as a hub for this Olympic sport. We thank the J&K Sports Council for their unwavering support over the past three years in uplifting softball in the region.”
