Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, Satish Sharma, today reaffirmed the government's commitment towards the promotion of para sports and empowerment of differently-abled sportspersons, stating that every athlete deserves equal opportunities to excel and bring laurels to the nation.
The Minister made these remarks while interacting with a delegation of the JK Divyang Welfare Association (JKDWA), which called on him at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
During the meeting, Satish Sharma formally launched the jersey of Hyderabad Hawks, a franchise participating in the upcoming Radiant World Para Cricket League, scheduled to be held from October 6 to 11, 2026, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
The delegation was comprised of Sayed Shah Aziz, Captain of the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team and Hyderabad Hawks; General Secretary JK Divyang Welfare Association Pirzada Sayed Nissar Hussain Shah and association member Manmohan Singh.
Congratulating Sayed Shah Aziz on his remarkable achievements, the Minister described him as a role model for the aspiring athletes and a source of pride for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that Aziz's journey from Poonch to leading the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team reflects the extraordinary determination, talent and resilience of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
Extending his best wishes to Hyderabad Hawks for the forthcoming tournament, Satish Sharma expressed confidence that the team would perform exceptionally well and continue to inspire countless sportspersons across the country.
The Minister also held detailed discussions with the delegation regarding the development of disability sports in Jammu & Kashmir.
Various issues related to the promotion of para cricket and para sports, including infrastructure, training facilities, sporting opportunities, recognition and institutional support for differently-abled athletes, were deliberated upon.
Satish Sharma emphasized that the government is committed to create an inclusive sports ecosystem where athletes with disabilities receive the support and facilities necessary to realise their full potential. He said that sports serve as a powerful medium of empowerment, confidence-building and social inclusion. He reiterated that the aspirations of differently-abled athletes would be given due attention.
The Minister said that the achievements of para athletes from Jammu & Kashmir have demonstrated that physical limitations can never become barriers to excellence when determination and dedication are coupled with opportunity and support. He stressed the need to further strengthen the initiatives aimed at encouraging greater participation of differently-abled youth in sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The JK Divyang Welfare Association appreciated the Minister's keen interest in the development of para sports and thanked him for his encouragement and support.