112 J&K athletes, aged 30 to 72, head to Nationalsproving passion has no age
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,DD, In a momentous and inspiring development, a contingent of 112 Masters athletes from Jammu and Kashmir is set to participate in the 7th National Masters Games being held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, from April 20 to April 26, 2025. Representing districts such as Jammu, Kathua, Samba, and Anantnag, this is the first time such a large and diverse group of veteran athletes from the Union Territory will compete at the national level under the banner of the Masters Games Association Himachal Pradesh, organized under the auspices of the Super Masters Games and Sports Federation (India).
To celebrate and support this historic journey, the Jammu & Kashmir Masters Games Association (JKMGA) hosted a tea gathering. The event served as a platform to encourage and honour the athletes before their departure. The warm send-off highlighted the growing recognition and appreciation of Masters sports and athletes in the region. Speaking at the event, Ranjeet Singh Chib, President of JKMGA and an ex-international handball player, stated, As the saying goes, You dont stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing. Masters athletes embody this spirit every day, showing the world that lifes second half can be just as vibrant and victorious as the first.
Adding to the motivational atmosphere, DYSP Mr. Kuldeep Handoo, Dronacharya Awardee and National Chief Coach of India in Wushu, emphasized that Masters sports promote a more inclusive and diverse sporting culture, challenging stereotypes that suggest athleticism is only for the young. He noted that the sight of a 70-year-old completing a triathlon or winning a sprint sends a powerful message of undying passion and discipline. Neete Kour Khalsa, General Secretary of JKMGA, praised the Masters Games as a celebration of the enduring spirit, strength, and determination of older adults, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
Reputed ex-international footballer Inspector Ranjeet Singh Wazir, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the psychological and emotional benefits of participation in sports at any age. He noted, Whether someone is returning to a sport they once loved or trying something new, the process of training, setting goals, and reaching them boosts self-esteem and confidence. Physical activity is also a well-known stress reliever and mood enhancer. For many participants, Masters sports become a source of mental clarity and emotional well-being.
In attendance were several notable figures and ex-national players, including Romesh Sharma, Vinay Saraf, Somraj Gupta, Sanjay Puri, Rameshwar Manhas, Mamta Bajaj and others, who all shared their heartfelt encouragement and best wishes for the Masters athletes heading to Dharamshala.
The athletes will compete in 10 different sports across 14 teams, showcasing talent in disciplines including table tennis led by Rajiv Sharma, handball led by Neete Kour and Ranjit Singh Chib, badminton led by Ramesh Sharma, judo led by Varinder Sharma, athletics led by Ajay Sharma, powerlifting led by Neetu Kour, weightlifting led by Dayal Singh, and chess led by Anil Abrol. The basketball womens team is being led by Mosmi Verma, while the mens team is captained by Bhanu Pratap Singh. Supporting the players are 11 officials, including physiotherapist Dr. Sonia Chib, who will ensure the health and wellbeing of the athletes throughout the competition.
With participants ranging in age from 30 to 72, this delegation stands as a shining example of lifelong fitness, determination, and community spirit. Their journey to Dharamshala is not just a step onto a national stage but a leap toward redefining the narrative around aging and athleticism. As they carry the hopes and pride of Jammu and Kashmir, these athletes are not only competing for medals but also for a legacy that proves the strength of the human spirit knows no age.DD
