VMS Srinagar hosts inter-district wheelchair basketball competition for men, women
Srinagar, Oct 23: The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, in collaboration with Rahim Greens, organised a two-day Inter-District Wheelchair Basketball Competition for men and women on October 22 and 23, 2025, at its premises in Srinagar, aimed at promoting inclusive sports and empowering athletes with disabilities.
The event, as per a statement, was graced by Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), as the Chief Guest.
The competition aimed to promote inclusive sports and provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to display their talent, determination, and team spirit. The inaugural session commenced with opening remarks by Prof Dr Mir Mohammad Maqbool, President and Founder of VMS, who extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, guests, and participating teams. He emphasised the transformative power of sports in rehabilitation and empowerment, noting that sports instil confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging among persons with disabilities.
He also expressed appreciation to Rahim Greens for their continuous partnership in advancing inclusive initiatives. The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Aftab Alam (Ex-SSP), Prof Dr Shariq Masoodi, Imtiyaz Ahmad Shaw (Principal, Women’s Polytechnic College), Dr Bashir Ahmad Lone (Director, VMS), Hamid (Head, Rahim Greens, Srinagar), Prof Masooda Yasin (VMS) and Er. Mushtaq Ahmad Malik.
Aftab Alam, in his address, praised the determination and discipline of the wheelchair athletes, describing them as “true ambassadors of courage”.
Prof Dr Shariq Masoodi highlighted the therapeutic value of sports for both physical and mental health.
Imtiyaz Ahmad Shaw applauded the organisational efforts of VMS and encouraged educational institutions to integrate adaptive sports into their co-curricular activities. He emphasised that exposure to inclusive events nurtures empathy and social responsibility among students. Dr Bashir Ahmad Lone, Director of VMS, reiterated VMS’s long-standing commitment to the rehabilitation, education, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. He shared that sports form an integral part of the organisation’s holistic rehabilitation approach and announced that VMS will continue to support adaptive sports events in the future. Hamid, Head of Rahim Greens, expressed delight in partnering with VMS for yet another impactful initiative. He noted that Rahim Greens has always supported community welfare projects and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts promoting inclusion and empowerment. Prof Masooda Yasin lauded the perseverance of the athletes and shared her reflections on the importance of community acceptance and accessibility.
In his chief guest address, Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai appreciated the remarkable efforts of VMS in promoting inclusive sports and empowering persons with disabilities. He underscored the need for institutional collaboration between universities, NGOs, and government bodies to create accessible environments and sustainable opportunities.
The event culminated in the distribution of trophies, medals, and certificates to the winners and participants in recognition of their achievements.
