Srinagar, October 2, 2026: The 11th branch of the Aljawad Academy of Martial Arts was inaugurated at Khumani Chowk near Bemina Bridge in Srinagar on Friday, with the event featuring martial arts demonstrations by trained participants, including youth from different educational institutions.
The inauguration, held on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, was attended by Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, Chief Commissioner of JK Scouts and Hindustan Scouts, along with Dr Iqbal, Director of the Institute of Skill; Ms Quraj, a skill and art personality; Syed Wajahat; Mohammad Shadi from Skill Development; and Abida Jee of the Satellite Rotary Club in Kashmir.
Renzushah appreciated Syed Shuja for establishing the academy’s 11th premises and for his contribution to promoting martial arts among young people.
Internationally associated martial arts performers and academy trainees presented artistic demonstrations during the inaugural programme. Among those who drew particular appreciation were Bilal Sahib, who was stated to have won a gold medal in Thailand, and Gen Zee, Sadaf and Sahar, besides other trained participants.
Addressing the trainees, Renzushah linked martial arts with Kashmir’s broader traditions of spirituality, human dignity, discipline and physical and mental development. He described the performances under the theme “RAY” as a tribute to what he called Kashmir’s “ray of spirituality” rooted in human dignity and unity.
Renzushah also recalled his association with the Bemina Bridge, stating that the project had remained pending for years and was completed and inaugurated in 2008 during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam.
Speaking about Kashmir’s historical traditions, Renzushah claimed that the region had an early tradition of martial arts and learning predating the establishment of ancient universities such as Nalanda and Taxila. Referring to archaeological remains at Kudalwan-Harwan, he said the carved tiles and other historical evidence reflected the presence of martial traditions in ancient Kashmir.
He further urged the younger, Gen-Z generation to learn about personalities from Kashmir’s history who, he said, represented the region’s traditions of courage, pluralism and social harmony.
Renzushah specifically referred to Begum Khurm Sultana and recounted her as an example of Kashmir’s syncretic tradition, saying she resisted forces that threatened the region’s pluralistic Reshi ethos. He also associated her with martial prowess and resistance against historical invaders.
He said Kashmir’s tradition of Tasawuf places emphasis on strengthening both mental and physical capabilities in the service of humanity, love and unity, while resisting forces of hatred.
The event concluded with remarks from Dr Iqbal and other guests, who highlighted the importance of skill development, discipline and opportunities for young people through martial arts.
The organisers said the new branch would provide a platform for youth, both male and female, to receive structured training and participate in martial arts activities.
