Associated News Bureau

Jammu & Kashmir to Host First-Ever National Soft Tennis Coaching Camp Ahead of Asian Games 2026

Srinagar, July 1: In a significant boost to the sporting landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association, under the aegis of the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI) and in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, will host the first-ever National Coaching Camp for the Indian Soft Tennis teams ahead of the 20th Asian Games, Japan 2026. The prestigious camp will be held at Gindun Sports Stadium, Rajbagh, Srinagar, from July 10 to August 13, 2026, bringing together the country's top Soft Tennis players and coaches for intensive preparations ahead of the continental sporting event. The hosting of the national coaching camp marks a historic milestone for Jammu & Kashmir, underlining the region's growing prominence as a destination for national-level sporting activities while highlighting the steady rise of Soft Tennis in the Union Territory. Soft Tennis is a recognised discipline under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the School Games Federation of India, and the Association of Indian Universities. The sport is affiliated with the Asian Soft Tennis Federation and the International Soft Tennis Federation, and is included in both the National Games of India and the Asian Games. Over the years, the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association has emerged as one of the country's leading state associations, securing an impressive tally of five gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze medals in various national and international championships. The Association has also developed a robust grassroots structure with 18 affiliated district units across Jammu & Kashmir and has successfully hosted five National Soft Tennis Championships in different categories, contributing significantly to the sport's development in the region. Building on this momentum, the Association is planning to organise more prestigious national and international Soft Tennis events during the current year to further strengthen the sport's footprint in Jammu & Kashmir. The Union Territory has produced several accomplished Soft Tennis players who have represented India with distinction, including Madavendra Singh Sambayal, Shreemai Bhat, Sidhani Singh, Soham Bhatt, Antistika, Mujtaba Hassan, Mohammad Qais, among several other talented athletes. Sports officials described the upcoming national coaching camp as a landmark opportunity for aspiring players in Jammu & Kashmir, who will gain valuable exposure by training alongside India's top-ranked athletes under the guidance of experienced national coaches. The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the competitive standards of local players while reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir's emergence as an important hub for Soft Tennis in India. ANB