Shariya Manzoor from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district has been selected to participate in the inaugural edition of the Asian Kabaddi League (Women – Chapter 1), the J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association said on Monday.The association described her selection as a milestone for women’s kabaddi in the Union Territory and congratulated the player on earning a place in the continental league.
General Secretary of the J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, said Manzoor’s selection was the outcome of years of hard work, dedication and disciplined training.
He also congratulated her coach, Arshid Rather, saying his guidance played a key role in shaping the athlete into a player capable of competing at the international level.
Gupta thanked J&K Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul for supporting the development of sports, particularly kabaddi, in the Union Territory.He said the Sports Council’s initiatives, including the functioning of Khelo India Centres and PMDP Centres, have helped identify and nurture young sporting talent across Jammu and Kashmir.
Gupta also welcomed the Sports Council’s decision to sanction 10 new kabaddi centres in the Union Territory, saying the move would strengthen grassroots development and provide greater opportunities to aspiring players.
Highlighting the growth of the sport in Jammu and Kashmir, he said two players from the Union Territory featured in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2026, while Manzoor’s selection for the inaugural Asian Kabaddi League reflected the increasing presence of J&K players on national and international platforms.The association wished Manzoor success in the tournament and expressed confidence that she would bring laurels to the country and Jammu and Kashmir through her performances.
