More than 350 participants showcase combat skills and artistic performances at the three-day event
Srinagar, November 3: Usha International, one of India’s leading consumer durables brands, supported a Sqay martial arts event held in Srinagar from October 29 to 31, reaffirming its commitment to promoting indigenous sports and encouraging wider public participation in active lifestyles.
Sqay, a traditional martial art originating in Jammu and Kashmir, involves both armed and unarmed combat. The sport uses traditional equipment, including the Bargula (shield) and Tora, a bamboo sword covered in leather. Rooted in the region’s cultural and martial traditions, Sqay has evolved from ancient self-defence techniques into an organised competitive sport recognised at national and international levels.
The initiative is part of Usha Play’s broader efforts to nurture grassroots talent, preserve indigenous sporting traditions and create accessible platforms for young athletes across different regions.
Speaking about the initiative, Komal Mehra, Head of Sports Initiatives and Associations at Usha International, said, “When indigenous sports like Sqay are practised, they keep alive a legacy deeply connected to a region’s history, culture and resilience. With its historical roots and revival as a modern competitive sport, Sqay was developed by ancient Kashmiris and local communities as a means of defending themselves against invaders. What was once a means of survival has today become a way for people to come together and participate in sport. Through our association with such initiatives, Usha Play aims to raise awareness, nurture local talent, preserve traditions and give these unique sports the recognition they deserve among young people.”
More than 350 participants took part in various categories, including Loba (combat/fighting), Khwankay (pre-choreographed artistic performances) and Aero Sqay (performances accompanied by music). Winners across different categories were felicitated at the concluding award ceremony, with results decided by a panel of distinguished judges.
In the Cadet category (under 11 years), Mohammad Usman Rather secured first place among boys, while Mai Alama Jan topped the girls’ Artistic Aero Sqay category.
In the Sub-Junior category (under 14 years), Shanaya Gigo won first place in the girls’ Khwankay-1 competition, while Abid Aijaz secured the top position in the boys’ Loba category.
In the Junior Open category (under 18 years), Rayan Bin Rizwan secured first place, while Malia Zahoor topped the girls’ Loba competition. In the Senior category (above 18 years), Disha Pandit won the gold medal in Khwankay-3, while Faizan Shabir secured first place in the boys’ Loba competition.
One of the major attractions of the event was the Best Fighter Bout, also known as the Champion of Champions, where leading participants demonstrated their combat skills, confidence, technical abilities and determination. Faizan from Shopian district won the Best Fighter title in the boys’ category, while Madiha from Ganderbal district secured the title in the girls’ category.
The event also featured an overall district championship, with Ganderbal securing first place, followed by Srinagar in second position and Shopian in third.
Speaking on the occasion, Grandmaster Nazir Ahmad Mir, founder of Sqay and Secretary General of the International Council of Sqay and the Jammu and Kashmir Sqay Association, said, “Sqay represents the spirit, resilience and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. It is encouraging to see growing interest among young athletes in learning and carrying forward this tradition. Support from organisations like Usha Play plays an important role in this journey by providing platforms for emerging talent and helping indigenous sports like Sqay gain wider recognition.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr Tasaduq Hussain Mir, JKAS, Custodian General, as the chief guest. The guests of honour included Tariq Ahmad Wani, SSP Headquarters; Ghazanfar Ali Bhat, Territory Manager, Usha International; Nisar Ahmad Qadri of Usha International Limited; Ghulam Hassan Rather, Chairman, HKMC Ganderbal; Dr Firdous Baba, Head of Seva Singh; Balbir Singh, former Assistant Director, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir; Shizana Rasool, Founder and CEO of Aaghaz International; and Farooq Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Brighter Kashmir.
Usha continues to support traditional and indigenous Indian sports that bring communities together and encourage active, enjoyable and healthy lifestyles. Besides grassroots sporting initiatives, the company supports several inclusive sports programmes across the country. These include its association with the Mumbai Indians franchise, Ultimate Flying Disc, golf, cricket for people with special abilities, athletics and martial arts for visually impaired participants, as well as traditional sports such as Mallakhamb, Sait Khannam, yoga, Thang-Ta, Saj-Long, Satoliya/Peethu and Kalaripayattu.
