J&K UT volleyball teams to leave for 49th Junior National Championship today

By statetimes_editor Last updated Dec 14, 2025

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) has finalized the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) Junior Men and Women Volleyball teams for participation in the 49th Junior National Volleyball Championship, scheduled to be held from December 16 to 21, 2025, at Palani, Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. The selected teams will depart for Rajasthan tomorrow.

VAJK office bearers posing for a photograph with selected teams and officials.

The screening and final selection of the teams were conducted today at the MA Stadium, Jammu. The proceedings were carried out by a Screening Committee headed by Areshi Nad, Manager, Indoor MA Stadium Jammu, on behalf of the J&K Sports Council.
The committee included senior officials of JKSC, a physiotherapist, international and national-level volleyball players, experienced coaches, and representatives of the Volleyball Association of Jammu & Kashmir (VAJK).
After thorough evaluation, the committee approved a final list of 12 players each in the Junior Men and Junior Women categories to represent JKUT at the national event.
The Junior Men’s team comprises Karan Rajput (Reasi), Wani Mahir (Srinagar), Abid Gulzar (Ganderbal), Ganik Sharma (Kathua), Akash Manhas (Jammu), Mohd Abid Bhatti (Poonch), Anshu Yuvraj (Jammu), Harshul Sharma (Jammu), Shail Shamim (Anantnag), Sandeep Singh (Jammu), Mubrahir Manzoor (Srinagar), and Aryan Manhas (Jammu).
The Junior Women’s team includes Nirajala Kumari (Jammu), Khushi (Udhampur), Sania (Kathua), Surbhi Kumari (Jammu), Rehana (Baramulla), Rasiya Reyez (Srinagar), Tamanna Bhalla (Jammu), Munisa Khurshid (Baramulla), Sanjana Kumari (Jammu), Falak Mushtaq (Baramulla), Saliha Lateef (Baramulla), and Semma Sharma (Udhampur).
Earlier, players from across the Union Territory were shortlisted through selection trials followed by a rigorous 14-day coaching camp held at MA Stadium, Jammu.
The camp was conducted under the supervision of Prateek Kumar, Volleyball Coach of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Inisha Bashir, Volleyball Coach of the J&K Sports Council. The coaches imparted the latest technical and tactical skills of the game to the participants, ensuring their readiness for high-level national competition.
Several senior office bearers and officials were present during the screening committee meeting, including Kuldip Magotra, Chief Executive Officer of VAJK; H.S Gill, Executive Vice President; V.K Magotra, General Secretary; Romesh Sharma, Treasurer; Mohd Tariq, Joint Secretary; Mudashar, Secretary Pulwama District Volleyball Association; along with executive members Subash Shastri and Suresh Chib. Rajeev Dogra also participated in the proceedings.
The dignitaries and office bearers of the Volleyball Association of J&K extended their heartfelt best wishes to the JKUT Volleyball contingent.
They expressed confidence that the teams would deliver commendable performances at the Junior National Championship and continue to bring laurels to Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory by showcasing excellence in volleyball at the national and international levels.