FAISAL AKHOON
NESTLED amidst the pristine landscapes of the Himalayas, Kashmir has long been known for its breathtaking natural beauty. But beyond the picturesque valleys and serene lakes, a quiet revolution is taking place under the cover of darkness. The transformation of nightlife in Kashmir has been a remarkable journey, marked by various factors and developments that have reshaped the region’s social and cultural landscape. Night sports have emerged as a powerful force in the region, breathing new life into the vibrant tapestry of Kashmiri culture and offering a fresh dimension to its sporting landscape.
In the recent years, the valley of Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the realm of sports, thanks to the installation of floodlights in numerous stadiums across the region. Night sports activities have become increasingly popular, providing a unique opportunity for sporting enthusiasts to engage in their favourite games under the evening sky.
For many years, the idea of playing football or cricket matches after sunset was a distant dream for the youth of Kashmir. However, over the past several years, a significant transformation has been underway in the Valley, and again thanks to the installation of floodlights at numerous stadiums. Sporting enthusiasts are witnessing the emergence of night sports activities like never before.
It’s a testament to the resilience, passion, and aspiration of the youth who refuse to be deterred by the challenges faced in the region. These events serve as a new platform for Kashmir to present a more peaceful and vibrant image to the world, highlighting the impact of floodlights on various sports and the newfound opportunities they offer to both players and spectators.
The installation of floodlights in stadiums across Kashmir has given rise to night sports activities. Football and cricket enthusiasts, in particular, now have the opportunity to engage in games under the evening sky. This development is celebrated for its role in fostering community engagement and offering a fresh dimension to sports in the region. The installation of floodlights has not only enhanced the prospects for football and cricket but has also led to the promotion of other sports. The diversity in sporting activities, including hockey, rugby, and more, adds depth to the region’s sporting culture.
Floodlit stadiums have created a unique ambience for evening matches, attracting enthusiastic crowds. Spectators are now enjoying sporting events under the floodlights, offering a vibrant and electric atmosphere during matches. The introduction of night sports has empowered the youth to pursue their passion for sports without compromising on their daily commitments such as education and work. This development reflects the determination and aspiration of young Kashmiris.
One of the notable developments has been the installation of floodlights at the TRC Turf Stadium in Srinagar in 2019. This marked a significant milestone as it became the first outdoor sports facility in Jammu and Kashmir to introduce floodlights. Over the next few years, this initiative expanded to more than 40 stadiums and playfields, including locations like Kupwara, Bandipora, Reasi, and Poonch.
The floodlights have had a profound impact on the sporting landscape of Kashmir. Football and cricket enthusiasts, in particular, have seen a surge in opportunities to play under lights. Adnan Manzoor, a football fan from Hyderpora, notes that this development has been a game-changer, allowing the youth to participate in sporting events without compromising their daily engagements, such as education and work.
Says he: “The night sports in Srinagar are a much needed fuel for my love of football. My day goes into my studies and my evenings are brighter when I visit the TRC grounds to watch football matches and sometimes play too. I so look forward to these moments and they are such a journey from the days a few years back when games would be played in sharp sunlight, which would get uncomfortable. Now it is so much more fun during the evenings when it’s not only more peaceful but allows more focus on the games. I think sports are the best way to stay away from any negativity and I wish every single youngster participates in some sport to grow, prosper and be healthy”.
The residents of Srinagar, especially in the downtown areas, express their joy at the newfound opportunity to engage in evening sports activities. Stadiums like Gani Memorial Stadium in Rajouri Kadal and the Radapora and Anjum Grounds in Qamarwari have become hubs for night sports events, helping the local youth from various backgrounds come together to enjoy these activities.
The impact of floodlights extends beyond Srinagar. In North Kashmir, places like Khushaal Stadium and Bandipora’s SK Stadium have witnessed a revival of sports activities under the evening lights, bringing communities together. Apart from football and cricket, the installation of floodlights in the Synthetic Hockey Field Polo Ground, Rugby Field Polo Ground, and Cricket field TRC Ground has also fuelled the promotion of other sports, diversifying the sporting landscape. The introduction of night sports has not only benefitted players but also the spectators. Floodlit stadiums create a unique ambience for evening matches, attracting crowds who can engage in and enjoy sports in a new light, both literally and figuratively.
Ghulam Hassan, district officer at the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, says: “Kashmir is competing with other regions of the country when it comes to night sports. We have flash floodlights in different stadiums of Srinagar. Why only Srinagar, every district of Kashmir has at least one stadium which holds night sports. Our infrastructural development has achieved a milestone when it comes to night sports. We are glad that we are getting such an abundant response from the masses and even non-athletes who are eager spectators. Parents often call our employees asking about when a match is scheduled and they happily come to drop and pick their children who play here or watch matches. Almost every day, indoor stadiums are full of players engaging in different games. We are promoting sports so as to disengage our children and youngsters from menaces of drug addiction and the obsession with the virtual world. Our stress is on overall improvement in health. I am happy to say that the athletes in Kashmir are very talented and quick learners. The girls too are taking more part in sports – be it rugby, hockey, tennis, badminton or cricket and more and more of them are joining in. We are trying to involve youngsters in all kinds of sports. We organise different sporting tournaments and for different age groups. We are also encouraging adventures sports, water sports. In fact only recently, one of our regional teams of water sports attended a national tournament. And now, since the winters are approaching, we have already set our calendar for snow cricket, snow football, snow rugby and ice hockey. The administration is supporting us in our endeavour to channelise our youngsters toward healthier living”.
Hassan further informs: “It is mandatory in each school – be it private, government, in villages, towns, blocks or panchayats – that sports or physical education be there just like science or mathematics. Government has recently come up with a rule – SO12 – under which any athlete who has played a national or a state tournament will be offered a government job”.
“We prepare athletes. We also host sports tournaments for specially-abled children. And also tournaments of volleyball, badminton, chess, carrom-board etc for senior citizens. Our sports schemes are beyond bias, fostering brotherhood, development and more importantly, peace. We are hosting a national tournament of football and volleyball which will see participation of around 2000 people from different parts of the country and will feature celebrities so as to make it impactful. Matches would be played during days as well as nights. Our mantra is – Ghar ghar education kay sath, ghar ghar sports.
The installation of floodlights in various stadiums across Kashmir has indeed ushered in a new era of sports, offering unprecedented opportunities for youth engagement, community building, and the promotion of various sports. Night sports have become a symbol of progress and unity in the region, fostering a deep-seated love for games among the people of Kashmir. As this trend continues to grow, it is clear that the Valley’s sporting culture is set to shine brighter than ever before. The transformation of nightlife in Kashmir is not only about the introduction of night sports but also signifies the resilience, unity, and unyielding spirit of the region’s people. It represents an evolution in the cultural and social fabric, where sports enthusiasts and communities are coming together to illuminate the nights of Kashmir with their love for sports.
