The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, Srinagar, in collaboration with Rahim Greens, on Thursday organized a Two-Day Inter-District Wheelchair Basketball Competition for Men and Women on 22nd and 23rd October 2025 at VMS premises.
The event was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), as the Chief Guest. The competition aimed to promote inclusive sports and provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to display their talent, determination, and team spirit.
The inaugural session commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool, President and Founder of VMS, who extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, guests, and participating teams.
He emphasized the transformative power of sports in rehabilitation and empowerment, noting that sports instil confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging among persons with disabilities. He appreciated Rahim Greens for their continuous partnership in advancing inclusive initiatives.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Aftab Alam (Ex-SSP), Prof. Dr. Shariq Masoodi, Imtiyaz Ahmad Shaw (Principal, Women’s Polytechnic College), Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone (Director, VMS), Hamid (Head, Rahim Greens, Srinagar), Prof. Masooda Yasin (VMS) and Er. Mushtaq Ahmad Malik. Each of them shared valuable insights and words of encouragement for the participants.
Aftab Alam, in his address, praised the determination and discipline of the wheelchair athletes, describing them as “true ambassadors of courage.” He stressed that society must move beyond sympathy and focus on creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.
Prof. Dr. Shariq Masoodi highlighted the therapeutic value of sports for both physical and mental health. He commended VMS for combining medical rehabilitation with social inclusion and called for greater involvement of medical professionals in disability sports programs.
Imtiyaz Ahmad Shaw applauded the organizational efforts of VMS and encouraged educational institutions to integrate adaptive sports into their co- curricular activities. He emphasized that exposure to inclusive events nurtures empathy and social responsibility among students.
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone, Director of VMS, reiterated VMS’s long-standing commitment to the rehabilitation, education, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. He said sports is an integral part of the organization’s holistic rehabilitation approach and announced that VMS will continue to support adaptive sports events in the future.
Hamid, Head of Rahim Greens, expressed delight in partnering with VMS for yet another impactful initiative. He noted that Rahim Greens has always supported community welfare projects and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts promoting inclusion and empowerment.
Prof. Masooda Yasin lauded the perseverance of the athletes and shared her reflections on the importance of community acceptance and accessibility. She emphasized that inclusive sports are not just competitions but powerful platforms for changing public perceptions about disability.
In his address, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai appreciated the remarkable efforts of VMS in promoting inclusive sports and empowering persons with disabilities. He underscored the need for institutional collaboration between universities, NGOs, and government bodies to create accessible environments and sustainable opportunities.
He remarked that “true progress lies in embracing diversity and ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, finds space to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.” He assured that he will do his best for upliftment of PWDs and the development of all units of VMS and premises.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Farooq Ahmad Kaloo, Secretary, VMS, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, collaborators, volunteers, and participants for making the event a grand success.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from multiple districts, with players demonstrating exceptional skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The event culminated with distribution of trophies, medals, and certificates to winners and participants for their recognition.
