The excitement is building as the Khelo India women’s wushu league prepares to kick off its northern zonal round at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala. From July 9 to 13, this prestigious event will bring together 350 athletes from across northern India, competing in sub-junior, junior, and senior categories in both Sanda (fighting) and Taolu (forms).
Organized by SAI Patiala and generously supported by the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the competition boasts a substantial prize pool of Rs 7.2 lakh, managed by the Wushu Federation of India. Participants from states including Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh are set to showcase their skills and determination on this grand stage.
Following the successful South Zonal event held in Karnataka last month, the northern zonal round is a crucial step towards the league’s pinnacle event, the national ranking championship. Athletes will vie for top honors and the opportunity to represent India at international competitions.
Highlighting the event are accomplished wushu athletes Ayeera Chisti and Komal Nagar, both training at the NSNIS Patiala Centre and eager to compete on their home turf. Ayeera, with a commendable record including consecutive gold medals in previous Khelo India women’s wushu leagues, expressed her anticipation for competing in familiar surroundings.
“I am thrilled to participate in my third Khelo India women’s wushu league here at NSNIS Patiala, where I have had success in the past,” said Ayeera, reflecting on her journey since making her debut in 2022.
Komal Nagar, known for her talent and determination at just 19 years old, shared her aspirations for the upcoming competition and beyond. “The Khelo India women’s league is an incredible platform for young athletes like myself. I am grateful for the government’s support in promoting women’s sports. My goal is to win gold at the Asian Games in the 52kg category and become the first Indian woman to achieve this in my weight category. Before that, I am focusing on securing gold at the senior Asian championships in China this September,” she affirmed confidently.
The Khelo India women’s wushu league not only aims to crown champions but also aims to inspire and nurture future stars of Indian wushu. With fierce competition expected and high stakes on the line, the northern zonal round promises thrilling performances and potential breakthroughs in this dynamic martial art.
