Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated international para-archer Payal Nag at Lok Bhawan in a bid to promote and encourage the region’s overall sports footprint in the coming times. He congratulated Payal for scripting history by winning gold at the World Archery Para Series 2026 in Bangkok.

J&K’s participation in sports, including cricket, football, running, cycling, snow and ice sports, and athletics, has shown promise that could transform the region’s sports infrastructure.

He extended his best wishes to the athlete for her future games.

Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Abhilasha Chaudhary, Archery Coach, and other senior officials of the Shrine Board were also present.

Besides, in the IPL, Brijesh Sharma from Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur starred for Rajasthan Royals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati during the Indian Premier League.

He took 2/37 in 4 overs, removing Jitesh Sharma and Tim David with disciplined pace and effective slower balls. Former cricketers Vidhya Bhaskar, Sarabjeet Singh, and Dhruv Mahajan praised his composure, calling him a fearless “scalp hunter” and a standout talent from Udhampur.

Social media and former players credited his rise through domestic cricket and T20 leagues, highlighting his consistency and match-winning temperament.

More athletes are coming out of J&K, rising to the occasion and giving their best performances in national and international sports competitions.