Badminton talent in Kashmir is being held back by a lack of dedicated courts, infrastructure and qualified coaches despite strong participation across age groups, organisers and players said during an Open Badminton Tournament at the Indoor Stadium here today.
Organised by the Spartan Club in collaboration with the J&K Badminton Association, the tournament has attracted around 200 entries across junior, senior and veteran categories, reflecting strong interest in the sport despite limited facilities.
Muhammad Harris, one of the organisers, said the tournament was aimed at giving grassroots players greater exposure and competitive experience, which remain limited in Kashmir.
“Grassroots players are not getting sufficient infrastructure and exposure to compete at different levels. We want to provide them a platform to build a better future in the sport,” Harris said.
He said the tournament covered junior and senior categories to give players an opportunity to compete regularly and gain experience.
Harris said Kashmir had no shortage of badminton talent, but inadequate infrastructure and coaching were preventing players from reaching their potential.
He said the sport was struggling to sustain momentum in Kashmir and needed greater grassroots participation and regular competitive exposure.
Javid Ahmad Dar of the J&K Badminton Association said the sport was “disappearing” in Kashmir despite being an Olympic discipline, primarily due to the absence of basic infrastructure and coaches.
“We do not have any infrastructure for the game in Kashmir. We do not have badminton courts,” Dar said.
He said dedicated courts were essential for practice and training, while the shortage of coaches had forced senior players to train emerging athletes.
Dar said the sport had significant potential in J&K and players could compete at the national level if provided proper facilities and coaching.
Participant Sheikh Maishah, who has played badminton for six years and represented at the national level, also called for better facilities and coaching.
“We have great talent, but the problem is infrastructure and coaches. We need both,” she said.
Maishah said tournaments such as the ongoing event could give emerging players an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain competitive exposure.
“There are new players as well. All they need is proper coaching,” she said.
Organisers said sustained competition, dedicated practice facilities and professional coaching were essential to develop badminton talent in J&K.