Indian Army empowers Kashmiri girls to break barriers, embrace strength

In yet another initiative towards energising the youth of the region, Indian Army’s strategic 15 Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, organised a Martial Arts (SQAY) session for girls in the Shopian district of southern Kashmir Valley.

The session trained girls on unarmed combat techniques and empowered them to break barriers, embrace the strength and pave the way for a safer tomorrow.

“Empowerment begins with self-defence,” tweeted the official account of Chinar Corps.

SQAY is the ancient traditional war art from Kashmir dating back to the times when people used indigenous fighting skills to protect themselves from wild animals, individually or collectively.

Shopian – known more for its forests, mountains, and apples – is credited with making martial art popular all over the world.

From 14-year-old Tehneet Mushtaq who won a gold medal in the South Asian championship held in Nepal earlier this year to teenage sensation Durdana Yousuf, the district continues to produce talent which is making waves on the international circuit.

Srinagar-based Chinar Corps continues to initiate several programmes to motivate youth from districts of South Kashmir towards nation-building and give them an insight into the rich social and religious culture of the country.

Earlier this month, it organised practice matches for the ‘Kupwara Women’s T-10 Cricket Championship 2023’ with the assistance of the district cricket association which witnessed enthusiastic participation by budding women cricketers of the region.

Chinar Warriors has also been organising friendly volleyball tournaments for citizens at Dangithal, Bandipora with an aim to inculcate sportsman spirit and physical fitness in the youth of the region.