Jaipur Pink Panthers Coach to Train J&K Kabaddi Men’s Team: Dr Kuldeep Gupta
Jammu: In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the competitive profile of kabaddi in Jammu & Kashmir, the J&K Sports Council, in collaboration with the J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association, has engaged Vinod Kumar, renowned coach of Pro Kabaddi League franchise Jaipur Pink Panthers, to train and mentor the J&K Men’s Kabaddi Team ahead of upcoming national-level competitions.
The induction of a Pro Kabaddi League coach marks a significant step towards professionalising training methodologies, scientific talent identification, and high-performance preparation of kabaddi players from the Union Territory. The initiative focuses on systematic scouting, nurturing, and selection of promising youth, with the larger objective of creating a strong pool of athletes capable of competing at the national stage and securing podium finishes.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, while welcoming the collaboration, said that exposure to elite-level coaching will be instrumental in elevating the standard of kabaddi in the region. She emphasised that the Sports Council remains committed to providing quality infrastructure, expert coaching, and competitive platforms to athletes across disciplines, ensuring that talent from Jammu & Kashmir is able to realise its full potential.
Dr Kuldeep Gupta, General Secretary, J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association, along with coach Vinod Kumar, called on the Secretary, J&K Sports Council, and discussed a comprehensive roadmap for kabaddi development in the UT. During the interaction, Vinod Kumar expressed satisfaction over the tremendous growth of sports infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, noting that improved facilities and institutional support have created a conducive environment for high-performance sports.
Dr Kuldeep Gupta stated that, with the sustained support of the J&K Sports Council, the Association would intensify efforts to identify and groom emerging kabaddi talent from across the districts. He added that the initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat, where sports play a pivotal role in youth empowerment, discipline, and nation-building.
The collaboration is expected to not only improve immediate competitive outcomes but also lay a strong foundation for the long-term growth of kabaddi in Jammu & Kashmir by bridging grassroots talent with professional expertise and modern training systems.
