The stage is set for the northern zonal round of the Khelo India women’s wushu league, slated to commence at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala from July 9 to 13. This eagerly anticipated event will bring together 350 athletes across sub-junior, junior, and senior categories, showcasing their skills in both Sanda (fighting) and Taolu (forms).
Organized by SAI Patiala and funded by the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the competition offers a total prize money of Rs 7.2 lakh, making it one of the most significant events in the Indian wushu calendar. Athletes from states including Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh will participate in this prestigious tournament.
Following the successful South Zonal event held in Karnataka last month, the northern zonal round is pivotal in determining the participants for the upcoming national ranking championship. It serves as a crucial platform for athletes to showcase their talent and compete for top honors in the sport.
The event will witness the participation of prominent international wushu athletes such as Ayeera Chisti and Komal Nagar, both of whom are training extensively at the NSNIS Patiala Centre. Ayeera, who has secured gold medals in the previous editions of the Khelo India women’s wushu league, expressed her excitement about competing on home ground once again.
“I am delighted to be participating in my third Khelo India women’s wushu league here at NSNIS Patiala, where I have achieved success in the past,” said Ayeera, reflecting on her journey since her debut in 2022.
Komal Nagar, another standout athlete at 19 years old, shared her ambitious goals beyond this tournament. “The Khelo India women’s league is a significant platform for many young athletes like myself. I am grateful for the support of the government in promoting women’s sports. My personal aim is to win a gold medal at the Asian Games in the 52kg category and become the first Indian woman to achieve this milestone in my weight category. Prior to that, my focus is on winning gold at the senior Asian championships in China this September,” she added confidently.
The Khelo India women’s wushu league not only aims to crown champions across various categories but also strives to nurture and elevate the future stars of Indian wushu. With intense competition and high stakes, the northern zonal round promises thrilling performances and potential breakthroughs in the dynamic world of wushu.
