Disha, Arsalan clinch gold medals at World Sqay Championships

Srinagar, Nov 10: In a historic achievement for Indian sports, Disha Pandith and Mir Arsalan Mehraj from Jammu and Kashmir have clinched gold medals at the prestigious 4th World Sqay Championships. The tournament, held from November 2-7, 2024, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, saw participation from athletes across the globe.

The duo's exceptional performance not only brought glory to India but also highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's growing prominence in international sports. Their victory marks a significant milestone in the development of Sqay, a traditional martial art form, at the global level. The champions' achievements were recognized at the highest level, with Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi leading the felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. Both athletes were presented with special tokens of appreciation for their outstanding representation of India on the international stage.

Upon their return to Jammu and Kashmir, Pandith and Mehraj received a hero's welcome. The President of the Jammu and Kashmir Sqay Association hosted a special ceremony to honor their accomplishments. "This is a moment of immense pride for the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the President remarked. "We are incredibly proud of both of you. The Association will extend every possible support to recognize your achievements."

This victory represents not just personal triumph for the athletes but also signals the rising potential of sports talent from Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K Sqay Association has pledged continued support for both champions, recognizing their role in inspiring the next generation of athletes from the region.

The success of Pandith and Mehraj at the World Championships is expected to boost the popularity of Sqay and encourage more young athletes to take up this traditional martial art form.